SDE's Singapore Math Experts

SDE works with a team of education experts who are trained in the content of Singapore Math and its implementation in the classroom. Our trainers have used Singapore Math in the classroom, from supplementing their existing math curriculum with Singapore Math to adopting Singapore math as their core math curriculum.

Many of our trainers are published authors of books that provide practical, ready-to-use math resources for classroom teachers.

Our team can deliver training in a variety of formats—annual national conferences, one- and two-day state conferences, full-day seminars, multi-day Intensive Institutes, customized on-site/inservice training, and online courses.

	Sandra Chen Sandra has presented throughout the US offering proven Singapore Math strategies direct from her years of experience using the program in her own classroom. She has a love of teaching that shines through in her energetic and motivating presentations. She is passionate about promoting equity in mathematical education for mainstream and special education students. Sandra is the author of a new book, The Parent Connection for Singapore Math.
	Barbara Child Barbara has taught in the elementary classroom for over 30 years. She is affectionately known by children as the “Abacus Lady.” As a Title I Math Coordinator, Barbara continues to create mathematics curriculum materials and train teachers. A popular SDE conference presenter, she is excited by the opportunity to frequently present math workshops to teachers.
	Rolff Christensen, Ed.D. "Dr. C" has over 25 years of classroom experience and an extensive background in mathematics instruction. As a math coach for California's Math Matters, Rolff searched for a curriculum that emphasized conceptual understanding. Upon discovering Singapore Math, he immediately began teaching it and has recommended it widely and enthusiastically ever since.
	Christine Confer Chris has emerged as one of the nation’s leading presenters on mathematics, school improvement, and effective instruction. Her lively, engaging sessions are grounded in her 32 years of experience as a teacher of students of all ages, an instructional coach, and a district co-director of mathematics. Chris has authored numerous books on mathematics instruction, and has consulted for 20 years, both nationally and internationally.
	Katherine de la Garza An experienced trainer, teacher, and curriculum developer, Kathy is passionate about helping teachers create inspirational classrooms where children can flourish as mathematicians. As a math staff developer, she is currently involved in implementing Singapore Math in grades K–5. Kathy has a special interest in differentiating instruction to help all students succeed.
	Char Forsten Char has presented Singapore Math topics at the NCTM, NAESP and IRA conferences. She’s traveled to Singapore to get a first-hand view of how the program works there. One of the country’s top educational speakers, Char is a powerfully compelling and engaging presenter known for providing teachers with immediate solutions and practical strategies for success. She is the author of several best-selling books and the co-author of 8-Step Model Drawing.
	Michael Godfrey After 25+ years of teaching, Mike’s math instruction was dramatically transformed by Singapore Math Model Drawing. He has spent 13 years as his district’s gifted intervention specialist and is a frequent professional development speaker. Mike also manages a high-school leadership program, teaches a unique marine science class, and is a freelance sports writer.
	Jana Hazekamp Jana passionately believes that motivating students to love math takes enthusiasm, humor, and a “here and now” sense of purpose. Based on her own experience with Singapore Math in her classroom, her dynamic, fun-filled presentations provide teachers with practical ways to provide quality instructional strategies to better teach mathematics.
	Catherine Kuhns Catherine is a Presidential Award winner for Excellence in Teaching Elementary Mathematics with first-hand experience using Singapore Math in her classroom. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who believes in creating a child-centered and activity-based classroom where children may become lifelong lovers of learning. Catherine recently released her newest book, Building Number Sense.
	Erik Latoni Erik is a teacher by choice, administrator by experience, and mathematics professional developer by passion. He has taught math in primary and middle grades and has been a master teacher, math mentor, math resource teacher, academy director, principal, and "CORE Mathematics" trainer. Erik is committed to closing achievement gaps through research-founded, brain-based instruction.
	Kevin Mahoney An elementary math educator for over 20 years, Kevin was a lead speaker at the 2011 NCTM national conference, presenting a case study on his implementation of Singapore Math in the independent elementary school where he is Math Curriculum Coordinator. He is also a Doctoral Candidate, conducting research Singapore Math pedagogy.
	Donna McKenzie Donna has been a classroom teacher for over 25 years in traditional and open classrooms, magnet schools, and more. She honed her presenting skills leading inservice programs as a Paideia coordinator. Today, Donna is thrilled to be a part of a school that has adopted Singapore Math. Her love for learning and teaching is contagious!
	Ricky Mikelman Ricky has been a classroom teacher and math coach for 20 years. In 2005, she was awarded the Los Angeles County "Excellence in Promoting Math Instruction Award." She discovered Singapore Math while looking for methods to help her struggling students and has been an enthusiastic supporter ever since.
	Torri Richards Torri has been a K-6 classroom teacher for 19 years. She is trained in Math Recovery, and structures her own math classes using the Guided Math instructional strategy. Currently, Torri works with second and fifth graders using the Singapore Math Strategies and program for US. She has also presented and modeled the 8-Step Model Drawing method to her fellow teachers at New Durham School in New Durham, NH, where she has taught for the past 15 years.
	Eliza Sorte Math instruction has been Eliza’s lifelong passion. In addition to her classroom experience teaching math, she helps teachers and districts implement Singapore Math concepts, write curriculum, and develop assessments. Eliza frequently presents on a myriad of math topics. Her special interest is exploring language-based connections to math instruction.
	Anni Stipek Over the past 20 years, Anni has taught kindergarten through eighth grade. Her enthusiasm, emphasis on content, and entertaining style has made her a sought-after speaker and motivator. Anni brings a wealth of practical Singapore Math experience and expertise in designing and implementing math curriculum. She is the author of the widely used book, Word Problems for Model Drawing Practice—Level 6.