Bio: Ruth Eichholtz teaches Mathematics for grades 9-12 at The York School in Toronto. She has a BA in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Whitworth University. After a year studying advanced Mathematics at Cambridge University, she was employed in the software industry in the US, Germany, and England. In 2003 Ruth switched to a career in education and earned her Master’s degree in Secondary Education. She taught for 10 years at the International School of Stuttgart, including the subjects Math, Computer Applications, and Science for grades 5-12. Ruth is also a facilitator for CIS Ontario’s Cohort21 professional development network. Current pedagogical interests include inquiry-based learning at the secondary level, and development of spatial reasoning skills as an intervention for secondary students struggling in Mathematics.

Bio: Sharla Falodi (B.A., B.Ed, M.Ed) is an innovative educator dedicated to renovating her teaching program annually by using student voice, technology, inquiry, and culturally relevant approaches to cultivate insightful and inquisitive learners. Her area of interest is teaching STEAM through FNMI worldviews and Hip Hop. Sharla has led a module on CRRP and Science for TDSB teachers, was the Keynote at TDSB’s Elementary Science conference 2016, and has presented at Reading for the Love of It and TDSB Google Camp. She is also the co-founder of AkiEd, a land-based inquiry program designed to (re)connect students to Mother Earth.

Bio: Behnaz Herbst is a secondary mathematics/ physics teacher with the Toronto District School Board and a PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta. With a life-long passion for mathematics learning and a background in engineering, mathematics, and education, Behnaz has found profound joy, as well as a true challenge in teaching mathematics, first in Dubai and later on in Toronto, almost 20 years ago. Her current research interests include the classroom applications of metacognition - thinking about cognition and control and regulation of cognition - in mathematics education, with a focus on high school students' mathematical thinking, learning, and academic performance.

Bio: Maryem Mesrop holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Education and a Bachelor of Education, both of which she received from York University. She is currently in a Masters of Education program focused on language, culture and teaching, while simultaneously pursuing a graduate diploma in mathematics education. Maryem has spent the last two years working as a senior and junior learning skills specialist assistant with the Learning Skills Services at York University. She spent a reading course helping professor Walter Whitely with suggestions on the book Spatial Reasoning in the Early Years and working on Hands on Mathematics - a math course focused on spatial reasoning which will be offered to current bachelor of education students at York University.