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73rd Annual Western Mathematics Teachers Conference

Registration [Link]

Schedule [Link]

Flyer [Link]

Assessment and Numeracy for ALL Students

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. 

  • Novemberr 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

Campus maps and general visitor parking information: [MAPS AND DIRECTIONS LINK]

WIU Resources for Educators

WIU resources for educators

Visit the information table to learn about WIU programs and opportunities for educators, including MSTM, MAT, and the Noyce Program. 

Questions

Meet the Presenters

Janet Moore

Janet Moore

Janet 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. 

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.

Matthew Bulman

Matt Bulman is a veteran high school science educator with 20 years of teaching experience at St. Charles East High School in St. Charles, Illinois, where he also serves as Science Department Chair. Throughout his career, he has taught a wide range of science courses across the physical, life and earth sciences. Matt currently serves as the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) District XII Leader, representing Illinois, Iow, and Wisconsin, and as Region 1 Director for the Illinois Science Teaching Association (ISTA). He is passionate about advancing three-dimensional science instruction, promoting student sensemaking and supporting educators in implementing meaningful, research-based instructional practices that make science accessible to all students.

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.

Archived links

 

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