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Assessment and Numeracy for ALL Students!

73rd Annual Western Mathematics Teachers Conference

Registration | Schedule | Flyer | Map & Directions | Sessions

Now including science educators

Join mathematics and science educators at Western Illinois University for a Saturday morning of professional learning focused on assessment, numeracy, and classroom instruction. Choose sessions for your grade band, connect with colleagues, and explore resources that support your students. 

  • November 14, 2026 at WIU-QC Riverfront building in Moline, IL
  • Sessions from 8:30 to Noon with a light breakfast beginning at 8am
  • 3.5 PD hours and the opportunity to learn more about STEM teaching and assessment
  • Registration fee is $100 and there is no need to hire or plan for substitutes!

 Plan your morning

Plan Your Morning

Three rounds of concurrent sessions offer choices in ACT mathematics and science, IAR resources, assessment data, the new Numeracy Plan from ISBE, mathematical fluency,  and science instruction and activities.

Conference schedule

 Getting here

Location

Western Illinois University Quad Cities Campus
Riverfront Hall
3300 River Drive
Moline, IL 61265

Questions

Meet the Speakers 

Janet Moore

Janet Moore

Janet Moore is a mathematics instructional coach whose work emphasizes inquiry-based learning and social-emotional learning. Her experience includes high school and developmental mathematics, interdisciplinary activities at the Challenger Learning Center, NASA-related K–12 lessons, and professional development for educators. At the November conference, she is scheduled to give the opening session, a K–8 science session, and the K–12 Numeracy Plan session.

ACT presenters

ACT Presenters

Mr. Johanningmeier taught all levels of high school math before working at ACT. At ACT he started as an item writer, item reviewer, and form builder for the ACT test. He has worked on the development of all of ACT’s past math assessments, including end-of-course assessments in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus, and on the Aspire, EXPLORE, and PLAN math tests. Mr. Johanningmeier designed the PreACT math test and has spent the past few years working on the enhancements and updated test design of the ACT math test. He has over 24 years of experience in the math education and assessment field.

Jay Thomas taught high school for 20 years serving as Science Department chair and Data Analyst for the Freshman transition team in addition to his teaching duties. Mr. Thomas came to ACT in 2013 where he is currently the Principal Content Specialist for Science. His work includes contributing to assessment design and validation, alignment studies, performance level descriptors (PLDs), construct validation research, cognitive lab research, and the National Curriculum Survey.

George Schlott is Senior Account Executive with ACT Client Relations and State Lead for Northern Illinois. He supports K–12 schools and districts in selecting and implementing ACT programs and services that advance college and career readiness. He leads workshops, collaborates with school leadership and improvement teams, and presents on ACT services at state and national conferences. He joined ACT in July 2006 after a 37-year career with Plainfield Community School District as a mathematics teacher, high school counselor, and assistant/associate principal for Student Services. He also served for 28 years as an adjunct faculty member in the Counseling Department at Joliet Junior College.

Matthew Bulman

Matt Bulman is a National Board Certified Teacher and veteran high school science educator with 20 years of teaching experience at St. Charles East High School in St. Charles, Illinois, where he serves as Science Department Chair. He has taught physical, life, and earth sciences. He serves as National Science Teaching Association District XII Leader for Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and as Region 1 Director for the Illinois Science Teaching Association. He advocates three-dimensional science instruction, student sensemaking, and researchbased classroom practices. Session: From ISA to ACT Science: Understanding the Shift and Preparing Students for Success Participants will examine the skills emphasized on ACT Science, including data interpretation, experimental design, and evidence-based reasoning, while considering connections to NGSS and three-dimensional sensemaking. Through sample ACT questions and classroom examples, educators will explore practical ways to strengthen performance while maintaining meaningful science learning.

Dinesh Ekanayake

Dr. Dinesh Ekanayake is a Professor of Mathematics and Undergraduate Mathematics Program Coordinator at Western Illinois University. His research interests include applied mathematics, optimization, mathematical modeling, and data-driven approaches. An experienced educator and researcher, he is committed to fostering mathematical curiosity, critical thinking, and strong problem‑solving skills. He emphasizes innovative approaches to mathematics teaching that prepare students for an increasingly AI‑driven world.

Jenny Foreman

Jenny Foreman is in her 17th year of teaching and has taught first through fourth grades. She currently teaches second- and third-grade mathematics at Rutland Grade School and holds a master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education. She joined the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) this year as an EC–6 Director.

Kathy Felt

Kathy has taught mathematics content and methods at Western Illinois University (WIU) for nearly 20 years. She taught mathematics and served as an instructional coach in the Sherrard and Rock Island school districts. An active leader in the mathematics community. Kathy has served on the ICTM board, served on numerous state and national assessment committees, and is a frequent conference presenter and professional development facilitator. Kathy is dedicated to advancing mathematics education and supporting high-quality teaching and learning.

Nicole Vick

Dr. Nicole Vick is a science educator with over 20 years of teaching, curriculum development, and professional learning facilitation experience. She served as the OpenSciEd High School Chemistry Course Lead, overseeing the development of the five NGSS High-Quality Design Badged units. Prior to working in curriculum development full time, she taught high school science in central and west central Illinois. She currently serves as one of the ISTA Region 3 Directors and is part of the ISBE Science Steering Committee. Nicole has served as ISTA President (2023-2024), NSTA District XII Director (2017-2020) and was named a NSELA Vernier Emerging Science Education Leader Scholarship (VESELS) in 2024.

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The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, authorized under the National Science Foundation responds to the critical need for K-12 teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by encouraging talented STEM students and professionals to pursue teaching careers in elementary and secondary schools. This material is based upon the work through the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2243323