Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Laurel Cherry
Cherry, Laurel
Math Specialist
Laurel Cherry has been working in math education for 24 years. She is currently a K-12 Math Specialist with the Arizona Department of Education. She spent 15 years as a high school math teacher in both Arizona and Southern California. She has developed and presented professional development at NCTM, NCSM, AATM, CMC-South, CAMT as well as schools and districts all over the country. Laurel is passionate about working with educators to share best practices for the math classroom to maximize student success and learning. She also serves as President of the Arizona Math Leaders (AML). As a math leader, she works daily to challenge the status quo and support educators on what is best for ALL kids in Arizona.
Sessions:
5607: Bolster CTE Student Critical Thinking Skills
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Interdisciplinary
This session coaches teachers to allow time for students to think critically, use estimation strategies, apply modeling techniques, and foster collaboration. Real-world CTE scenarios require proficient problem-solving skills. Teachers are encouraged to use the AZ CTE Professional Skills to integrate strategies by designing relevant thinking activities, assessing understanding through diverse methods, and developing individualized student goals to enhance performance. Modelled activities include unpacking program specific math that allow students to really think through practical problems.
