Dismantling Inequitable Practices through Cutural Inclusivity and Advocacy in the Math Classroom!
India White • March 5, 2024
Dismantling Inequitable Practices in the Math Classroom
Dismantling Inequitable Practices through Cultural Inclusivity and Advocacy in Math Education
Dr. India White
In the field of mathematics education, it is crucial for teachers to be aware of and actively work towards dismantling inequitable practices that exist in the educational system. To see malpractice and not advocate for those who have suffered is simple inhumane, and goes against the better part of a leader’s character. By promoting cultural inclusivity and advocating for all students, particularly those from marginalized groups, math teachers can create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. This blog post will explore the importance of cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education, drawing on scholarly references to provide insights and strategies for math teachers.
Why Cultural Inclusivity and Advocacy Matter in Mathematics Education
Inequitable practices in mathematics education can manifest in various ways, including disparities in achievement, access to opportunities, and representation of diverse perspectives. These inequities often stem from systemic biases and cultural misunderstandings that perpetuate academic disparities among students. By embracing cultural inclusivity and advocating for all students, math teachers can address these inequities and create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.
This can strengthen relationships in the classroom while convincing students that every classroom is a safe place where they can learn and thrive as an independent thinker.
Research has shown that culturally responsive teaching practices can improve student engagement, motivation, and achievement in mathematics (Gay, 2000).
By incorporating students' cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into the curriculum, math teachers can make the content more relevant and accessible to all students. Additionally, advocating for inclusive policies and practices within the educational system can help address systemic barriers that hinder the success of marginalized students in mathematics. This is simply necessary as educators aim to move towards greater proficiency level of all learners.
8 Tips and Instructional Practices for Math Teachers
1. Build Cultural Awareness
Teachers, be intentional about truly take the time to learn about the cultural backgrounds and experiences of your students. This can help you better understand their perspectives and tailor your instruction to meet their needs. Afterwards, take a moment to celebrate cultural differences and be intentional at protecting the authenticity of cultures and ethnic groups. In their journal Math at the Core: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Math, PBS Learning Media (2024) researchers focuses on student identity and how that can increase cultural awareness while building relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. They mention some questions to consider including:
These questions will help educators slow down enough to truly get to know each students and to frame instruction around various aspects of their culture and personalities so that all students will feel like they belong in the math classroom.
2. Incorporate Culturally Relevant Content
As you are building your lesson plans for the week, choose to integrate diverse perspectives and examples from different cultures into your mathematics curriculum. This can help students see themselves reflected in the content and make learning more engaging. Further, it will enhance self-efficacy of all learners while creating buy-in needed for collaboration throughout the learning experience. As a result, invisible “walls” will fall, and metacognition will flow in an environment all students can trust. Some ways you can build culturally relevant content has been discussed by Larry Ferlazo’s(2020) article in Ed Week titled “12 Ways to Make Your Classroom More Culturally Relevant”, and they include: “building community, student collaboration, role models, using manipulatives and literature, and giving complex work”. Not only do these strategies help with cultural relevance, it enhances rigor for each student in the learning environment.
3. Promote Equity in Group Work
As you are being thoughtful about how to empower student voice, and include all learners, be mindful of the dynamics within student groups and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to contribute and learn from their peers. For instance, when assigning group work, choose to use various roles for students to make sure all students can participate in a fair manner. Further, use random ways to assign students into roles as well as for sharing out their ideas, (i.e. Popsicle sticks, Kagan groups, etc.). Double check with all students to ensure they feel like they feel like they belong and that they are being resourceful during various group activities.
Further, finding various ways to grade students in efforts to discover their unique traits while learning math can add value to each lesson. For instance, the use of culturally relevant rubrics is a clever way to approach the use of culture in the math classroom. In their blog titled, "Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Math,"
Carnegie Learning (2024) stated that “A cultural responsiveness rubric can help you evaluate if your math problems resonate with diverse cultures. It lets you gauge whether the task acknowledges different perspectives or merely reinforces stereotypes."
4. Provide Multiple Pathways to Success
When planning for success of your students each semester, recognize that students may have different learning styles and strengths. Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts. As students are expressing various ways of how they came up with solutions or rationale, cease the opportunity to share it out with their peers and encourage thinking beyond the page and into real world scenarios.
As you think about ways to promote success in the classroom, provide various ways for students to express their learning. For instance, in their article, “How Do We Support Students in Reflecting on Mathematics”, Cynthia Dore (2017) spoke about how teachers can “provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and to increase their metacognition (their thinking about their thinking).” Dore elaborated on various methods, including having students participate in “think-alouds by having them work in pairs” and answering various questions including, “and reflect on their process for solving a math problem, addressing questions during reflection in the math classroom such as: “What steps did you take? What did you do when you ran into an obstacle? How did you check your answers?"
It’s imperative to also provide closure to each lesson via a math exit slip, reflection in a math journal, or a whole class discussion on what was taught and what should be discussed the next day.
5. Encourage Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
When striving for true inclusivity, foster a classroom environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages students to think critically about mathematical concepts and real-world applications. It’s imperative that you become a defender against any comments, curriculum, or external content that would dehumanize any student or their background while they are discussing their thoughts about math in the classroom. Convince your students that your class is always a place where they will be protected and feel safe. In their article titled, “How to Encourage Critical Thinking in Math”, Mary Montero mentions these 3 strategies for teachers to consider:
6. Advocate for Students while Addressing Stereotypes and Biases
Addressing stereotypes and biases is not always an easy task for teachers. However, once it is addressed for the best interests of students, it can truly improve the learning environment by assisting in stronger advocacy for students and strengthening student confidence levels. In their article titled “Getting Students on the Road to Self Efficacy”, Adrienne Waller (2021) mentioned how students from marginalized backgrounds must learn how to take up self-advocacy in the classroom. They elaborate, stating that “Self-advocacy must be taught and encouraged. It benefits all students, but is particularly important for students who have been historically marginalized because of their cultural or language background, or because of a disability.”
Self-advocacy is essential as we strive to close the achievement gap and helps students navigate through their journey as learners. Along with teaching self-advocacy, teachers must always have a protective lens while choosing to challenge stereotypes and biases that may impact students' confidence and achievement in mathematics. Create a supportive and inclusive classroom where all students feel valued and respected. Be brave enough to have a conversation around how to protect the learning environment and to show equal love and support for all people.
While advocating for students, it helps strengthen their math identity altogether. In their article titled, “Getting Students on the Road to Self Advocacy, Adrienne Waller (2022) mentions how advocacy for students “makes learning manageable and prevents students from drawing global conclusions about their performance, such as “I am just not good at math.”
Further, Waller spoke about how student self-advocacy also benefits their teachers by assisting them with “the questions that students ask, the help they need…that can help teachers to fine-tune their instruction.” Further, self-advocacy helps you break outside of your comfort zone and take a positive “risk” and defy the odds as you hear from learners who you might not regularly call on. It also helps you sharpen your craft as an educator and think outside the box as to how you can make a positive example out of marginalized groups of learners.
7. Collaborate with Families and Communities
Engage families and communities in the learning process and seek their input on how to best support students from diverse backgrounds. Choose to reach out to families via surveys, parent nights, and other community events to find out opinions and recommendations from parents and guardians regarding how to best serve their children. Join with them to make sure all students have what they need to excel in school. In their blog on “8 Strategies for Culturally Responsive Family Engagement”, Brookes Publishing mentioned that in effort to connect with families, teachers should consider various ways to be culturally responsive including: conducting a cultural audit, acknowledge and interrupt implicit racial biases that are rooted in anti-Blackness, developing authentic, trusting relationships through home visits and more.
8. Advocate for Inclusive Policies
When discussing including, experts have defined inclusivity as, “a commitment to providing every student with equitable opportunities to engage with mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and achieve mathematical proficiency. It recognizes that learners come from diverse backgrounds, possess varying abilities, and learn in unique ways.” They also mention how when approaching inclusivity, there are various lenses a teacher can see inclusivity through and specific categories in which to approach inclusivity including: diverse student populations, varied learning styles, equity and access, individualized support, equity and social justice, real-world relevance, enhanced problem solving skills, and preparing for future careers for all learners, IEP Plans, assessments and more. Teachers, choose to do what’s best for all students and advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusivity within the school and district. Be a voice for change and work towards creating a more equitable mathematics education system. Make sure that you are linked with other leaders who also support this work and can find ways to ensure that all students are being serviced in an equitable manner while also upholding policies within your district and or state.
Conclusion
By implementing these tips and instructional practices, math teachers can contribute to dismantling inequitable practices and promoting cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education. Through their efforts, teachers can create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed in mathematics. Remember, as math teachers, your role extends beyond teaching mathematical concepts. You have the power to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports all students on their mathematical journey. Let's work together to dismantle inequitable practices and promote cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education.
Want more resources? Visit www.india-white.com for books, blogs, merchandise, or to schedule Dr. India White to speak at your district or an upcoming event. Read more about Dr. India White below!!
Finishing the School Year Strong: 10 Practical Tips for Teachers Using the G.R.I.T. Framework As the school year draws to a close, teachers often find themselves pushed to the limit. With final assessments, grading, and the hustle of end-of-year activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, finishing strong can create a lasting impact on your students and set a positive tone for the upcoming year. By applying the G.R.I.T. framework—Goals, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity—you can not only feel accomplished but also inspire your students to close the year with enthusiasm and purpose. Here are ten practical tips to help you harness G.R.I.T. and finish the school year strong. 1. Set Clear Goals (G) Reflect on the goals you've set for yourself and your students at the start of the year. Take the time to revisit them and set clear, achievable objectives for the final weeks. Encourage your students to set their own goals as well, whether academic, behavioral, or personal. This can help create a sense of purpose and motivation as they strive to meet these targets. 2. Foster a Growth Mindset (R) Resilience is crucial during challenging times, and cultivating a growth mindset can help both you and your students navigate obstacles. Emphasize that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Share stories of perseverance—both yours and those of your students—to inspire resilience and an appreciation for the learning process. 3. Reflect and Adjust (R) Midway through the final marking period, take a moment to reflect on what has worked well this year and what hasn’t. Use student feedback, assessments, and your own observations to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your lesson plans to focus on these areas, ensuring that your teaching remains effective and responsive to your students’ needs. 4. Prioritize Self-Care (I) Integrity in teaching means taking care of yourself so that you can be fully present for your students. Dedicate time to your well-being—whether through exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that recharge you. When you model self-care, you encourage your students to recognize its importance as well. 5. Maintain Consistent Communication (I) Transparent and consistent communication with students and parents builds trust and accountability. Keep families informed about end-of-year expectations and any changes to the curriculum. This helps manage expectations and fosters a shared commitment to student success as the year comes to an end. 6. Celebrate Achievements (G) As milestones approach, take time to celebrate both individual and collective achievements. Recognizing hard work and progress, whether big or small, reinforces the value of perseverance. Host a celebration event or dedicate a class session to acknowledge accomplishments, creating a positive atmosphere as the year concludes. 7. Be a Role Model for Grit (T) Show your students what it means to embody G.R.I.T. By demonstrating your own tenacity in facing challenges, you provide a powerful example. Share your struggles and successes, and explain how you’ve navigated them. This will not only inspire students but also equip them with the mindset necessary for future challenges. 8. Create Collaborative Learning Opportunities (T) Encourage collaboration among students as they review and finalize their learning. Group projects, peer tutoring, or study teams can create a sense of camaraderie and support. This not only fosters a connected classroom community but also enhances learning through shared experiences. 9. Stay Energized and Engaged (G) To maintain energy during the final stretch, infuse excitement into your lessons. Use hands-on activities, varied instructional methods, and interactive elements to keep students engaged. An energized classroom will foster a positive learning environment that motivates students to finish strong. 10. Reflect and Plan for Next Year (T) As the year ends, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it to future teaching. Set preliminary goals for the next school year, considering how to integrate the lessons from this year’s experiences. Encouraging students to reflect on their growth can help them carry lessons learned into the next academic year as well. Conclusion Finishing the school year with G.R.I.T. creates a meaningful conclusion for both teachers and students. By focusing on Goals, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity, you foster a positive environment that not only enhances academic success but also nurtures the personal growth of everyone involved. Let’s finish this school year strong and set the stage for even greater achievements ahead! Looking for more? Visit www.india-white.com for resources to support you as you help your students finish the school year strong!
MCTM 2025 - A Special Message for Minnesota Math Educators Dear Amazing MCTM Participants, First, I want to say how deeply sorry I am that I couldn't join you in person at this year's Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) conference. I was truly looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing alongside each of you. Even though I can't be there, I still wanted to send you a virtual hug and share a little teaser that could spark BIG change in your classrooms: the **G.R.I.T. Framework! What is G.R.I.T.? G.R.I.T. stands for Great Resilience In Time — a transformative framework I created to empower students and educators to break free from the old "sit and get" models of education. It's not just a mindset. It's a movement. Through G.R.I.T., students experience learning without guilt, anxiety, or fear — especially in metacognition. They learn to love the process of thinking, struggling, and succeeding on their own terms. The 4 Pillars of G.R.I.T. 🌱 Growth Mindset Students are taught that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Every misstep is a setup for a comeback. 💪 Resilience We don't shy away from productive struggle. We celebrate it. Students build emotional strength through reflection, retrying, and perseverance. 🧠 Self-Efficacy Students believe that their abilities can grow with effort. They recognize their own potential and gain the courage to take academic risks. 🕒 Time Management Students manage their own learning pace, giving themselves the grace to think deeply without unnecessary pressure. How G.R.I.T. Aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms Dr. Peter Liljedahl's work encourages us to create environments where students are free to think, explore, and collaborate without rigid restrictions. G.R.I.T. supercharges this process by embedding growth, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management into the very fabric of the classroom. Together, G.R.I.T. + BTC allow educators to: - Break traditional classroom "rules" - Center the learning process, not just the answer - Foster true independence and critical thinking - Remove shame and anxiety from the learning journey Bottom Line: Through G.R.I.T., you can truly set students free to FLOW — courageously, confidently, and creatively. Ready to Get Gritty with Me? I'm so excited to connect with you beyond MCTM! Here's how you can dive deeper into building GRITTY classrooms: 🔗 Explore Books, Blogs, GRIT Trainings, and More: Visit: www.india-white.com 📨 Book Dr. India White for: - Speaking Engagements - G.R.I.T. Academy Trainings - School or District Professional Development - Keynotes - Culturally Relevant Math Workshops Contact : Website: **www.india-white.com Email: india.white.123@gmail.com Stay strong, stay gritty, and keep building thinking classrooms that inspire the next generation! With resilience and gratitude, Dr. India White Founder, G.R.I.T. Academy Author | Speaker | Educational Consultant
Forgiveness: Walking in G.R.I.T. and Grace Forgiveness isn't for the faint of heart. It takes G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to truly walk in forgiveness, especially when you've been wronged, mistreated, or misunderstood. But there's no greater example of gritty forgiveness than Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross—suffering, bleeding, and abandoned—He didn’t curse His enemies. He didn’t demand justice in that moment. Instead, He looked toward heaven and said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Let that sink in. The very people who had betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified Him were the ones He forgave. And He did it in real time, while the pain was still fresh. That’s Great Resilience In Time. And as followers of Christ, we’re called to do the same. We’re called to forgive those who have: • Abused us—physically, emotionally, or spiritually • Slandered us behind our backs • Taken advantage of our kindness • Lied to us, hurt us, or wronged us in ways words can’t capture Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain was okay. It doesn’t mean you return to harmful situations. But it does mean we release people into God’s hands. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness. And we trust that nobody gets by—God is just, but He is also merciful. “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:32 God operates in mercy—not because people always deserve it, but because His heart is for restoration. And if we want God to operate in mercy toward us, we must be willing to pray that same mercy over those who have hurt us. Hence, I want to share with you 5 Tips for Operating in Forgiveness Through G.R.I.T. and Grace: 1. Growth Mindset: Choose to Learn, Not Linger Instead of replaying the pain, ask God what He wants to teach you through it. Every hurt can become holy ground if we allow it to transform us instead of trap us. Forgiveness is a chance to grow. Even when you find yourself lingering in the memories and wondering "What if?", choose to use the moments of hurt as an opportunity to heal and evolve into a greater version of you. 2. Resilience: Bounce Back with God’s Strength Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the pain—it means you refuse to let it define you. Forgiveness builds spiritual stamina. Each time you choose grace, you build strength in your spirit. The enemy wanted that trial, setback, dissapointment to cause you to give up on God and yourself. However, you must believe that no weapon formed against you shall propser. Never allow Satan to take away your song or your purpose, no matter the weapon or vessel he chooses to attack you through. 3. Self-Efficacy: Believe You Can Forgive with God’s Help Forgiveness may feel impossible—but with God, you can do all things. Self-efficacy is about believing in your ability to move forward. Speak life over yourself: "With God’s help, I can forgive." This is not always an easy process but you can do it! Choose to speak positively about your situation. Tell God that you forgive them and take moments to think about what Jesus must have felt at the cross as he died for you. Sometimes, we are made to emulate the light of Christ so that others will have HOPE. That means we must be willing to be curicifed at thier hands for the Glory of God. However, be encouraged, for the Lord will restore you. 4. Time Management: Don’t Waste Time on Bitterness Bitterness drains energy and time. Let forgiveness help you refocus your time and emotional energy toward purpose, healing, and joy. Steward your time wisely—it’s too precious to spend in bondage. Take time for self-care. Cry it out, seek therapy, have an outlet that will help you develop and heal and mature in a healthy fashion. Understand that all of us fall short; people will most likely dissapoint you, so flow in grace. 5. Great Resilience In Time: Forgive Even When It Still Hurts Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. It requires Great Resilience In Time —the ability to keep choosing grace, even when the pain is fresh. Jesus forgave while He was still on the cross. We, too, can learn to forgive even while healing. Through your forgiveness you'll find revelation that will bring your closer to your heavenly Father. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to others, yes, but also to yourself. It frees your heart. It releases your soul. It makes space for God to heal what others tried to break. Jesus didn’t wait for an apology. He forgave in real time—with G.R.I.T. and grace. So today, let’s strive to do the same. Let’s live with: • A growth mindset that says, “God can use even this.” • Resilience that says, “I will not be broken.” • Self-efficacy that says, “I can do this with God.” • Time management that says, “I will not waste one more second holding a grudge.” Let’s walk in Great Resilience In Time and extend the same mercy we so desperately need. Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s worship. So, wipe you tears, forgive, reset, start over, and thrive through G.R.I.T. and Grace. Love, India Want more? Visit www.india-white.com to schedule a meeting or book me for an event. Want a copy of the Grit Workbook for Clergy (Pastors) Click here!
### April Newsletter: A Month of Grit and Growth April is here, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting month filled with powerful opportunities to build grit, inspire educators, and impact students. From conferences to new resources, I’m thrilled to share what’s happening this month and how you can get involved. Speaking at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference in Minnesota I’m honored to present at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference this month, where I’ll be diving into how to create a Gritty Thinking Classroom. In this session, we’ll explore how the G.R.I.T. framework aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, helping educators develop a culture of perseverance, resilience, and self-efficacy in their math students. If you’re attending, I’d love to connect and discuss ways to empower students through productive struggle. G.R.I.T. Workbooks and Resources The G.R.I.T. Workbook series continues to grow, providing teachers, students, and parents with practical tools to develop growth mindset, resilience, and time management. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own grit or help students push through challenges, these workbooks offer actionable strategies to build confidence and perseverance. G.R.I.T. Online Courses and Masterclass For those looking to take a deeper dive into grit, we’re rolling out G.R.I.T. online courses and mini-workshops designed to help educators and leaders implement grit-based strategies in their schools and classrooms. Stay tuned for our Masterclass, which will provide an interactive learning experience on how to cultivate grit in both personal and professional settings. G.R.I.T. Podcast: Conversations That Inspire The G.R.I.T. Podcast continues to feature insightful conversations with educators, leaders, and changemakers who are passionate about building perseverance and resilience. Each episode offers motivation and strategies to help you stay committed to your goals and push through challenges. Be sure to tune in for inspiring discussions that fuel personal and academic growth. Stay Connected If you’re looking for more ways to engage with the G.R.I.T. movement, be sure to check out: - www.india-white.com – Explore my work, speaking engagements, and resources - www.gritacademy.us – Learn about G.R.I.T. Academy, where we help students and educators develop the skills they need to thrive This month is all about embracing grit, growth, and resilience. Whether through conferences, podcasts, or online learning, I’m excited to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep pushing forward and building a culture of perseverance together. Stay gritty and keep striving for greatness!
Excited to Speak at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference: Building a Gritty Thinking Classroom! I can’t wait to present at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference this April in Minnesota. This opportunity is truly special because I’ll be diving into two of my passions—grit and Building Thinking Classrooms—to help educators create Gritty Thinking Classrooms that foster resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance in students. Why Grit Matters in the Math Classroom Math is not just about numbers and equations; it’s about persistence, self-efficacy, and growth mindset. So many students struggle with productive struggle, but when we intentionally build grit, they learn how to push through challenges rather than give up. By implementing Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework, we help students: - Develop a growth mindset - Build resilience in problem-solving - Strengthen self-efficacy - Improve time management and perseverance Connecting Grit with Building Thinking Classrooms Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms has transformed the way we engage students in math learning. When we merge BTC structures with grit, we create an environment where students: - Tackle challenging problems head-on - Collaborate with peers to build understanding - Learn to embrace struggle as part of growth - Develop confidence in their ability to succeed In my session, we’ll explore how BTC’s 14 elements align with grit and how teachers can create a culture of perseverance in their classrooms. See You in Minnesota! If you’re attending MCTM’s Annual Math Conference, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how to empower students to think, struggle, and grow. Together, we can build Gritty Thinking Classrooms that transform how students learn and engage with mathematics. Let’s get gritty! See you soon in Minnesota!
🌟 Excited to share my VCTM recap video! 🎥 Join me as I engage with teachers during my keynote, discussing strategies to best support our 8th grade math students. Together, we can make a difference! 💪📚 Check it out and let’s keep the conversation going! #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #vctm #vermont #nabse #naacp #education #doe
Reflection on The Power of Grit Keynote to Vermont Teachers Speaking to the dedicated educators of Vermont about the Power of Grit was an inspiring and reaffirming experience. As I shared the pillars of grit—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Time Management, and Self-Efficacy—it was evident that these concepts resonated deeply with the teachers in the room. Their commitment to fostering perseverance and confidence in their students was both heartening and energizing. Throughout the keynote, I emphasized the transformative role of a growth mindset—how students who embrace challenges and see effort as a path to mastery are more likely to persist through difficulties. I could see educators nodding in agreement as they reflected on their own students' struggles and triumphs. Encouraging students to reframe failure as a learning opportunity is a crucial shift that builds not just better mathematicians, writers, and thinkers but also more resilient individuals. Resilience was another cornerstone of the discussion. I shared stories and strategies to help students push past obstacles and develop the endurance needed to navigate academic and personal challenges. The engagement in the room reaffirmed that teachers, too, are models of resilience, especially in today’s educational climate. One of the most practical elements of the keynote focused on time management—helping students (and educators) break down overwhelming tasks, set realistic goals, and prioritize effectively. The response to this section showed that time management remains a crucial skill, not only for students learning to structure their studies but also for teachers juggling multiple responsibilities. Finally, we explored the power of self-efficacy, that deep-seated belief that one’s efforts lead to success. We discussed ways to cultivate this mindset in students through intentional feedback, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins. Seeing the teachers reflect on how they could implement these strategies in their classrooms was incredibly rewarding. This keynote reaffirmed my belief that grit is not just a personal trait—it’s a culture that educators can foster in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Vermont’s educators left the session with new insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to equipping students with the perseverance and confidence needed for success. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this message, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in cultivating grit across the state. Thanks Vermont Rockstars. Stay gritty!
✨ I had a phenomenal time speaking for the VCTM Rockstars in Vermont! We dove into how to reach all learners and stay motivated through grit. 💪 I can't wait to see the results from the grit assessment and framework! Stay gritty, y’all! 🌟 #drindiawhite #vctm #vermont #grit #educators #math
🌨️ Greetings from Vermont! Loving the beautiful snow! ❄️ Can’t wait to get gritty with all you rockstars! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #vermont #math #teachers #snow #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse
🌟 Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! 🎉 Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! 💪✨ I can’t wait to share insights and connect with fellow educators, students, and math enthusiasts. Join us by registering below: https://vctm.wildapricot.org/event-5950535 Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #vctm #teachers #students #math (I don’t own music copyright)