MƒA Thursday Think: Math Therapy: Understanding and Overcoming Math Trauma

Mathematics anxiety is deeply embedded in American culture, with the phrase “I’m not a math person” heard repeatedly in STEM classrooms across the country. But when someone says they are "not a math person," it is often rooted in more than anxiety and indicative of unresolved math trauma. In this talk, Vanessa Vakharia will explore why mathematics frightens so many students and how educators can transform this fear into courage, curiosity, and even passion. She will present the 5 M’s of her “Math Therapy” framework that specifically address the dynamics of fear and how it manifests in mathematics classrooms. Rather than relying on common, temporary solutions, these tools aim to help students truly overcome their fears. Teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use strategies to break the cycle of fear and avoidance, ultimately changing students' lives well beyond the classroom.

Known as the Lady Gaga of mathematics education, Vanessa Vakharia is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a boutique mathematics and science tutoring studio in Toronto that is changing stereotypes about what mathematics education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy Podcast, author of the bestselling book Math Therapy, and lead singer/keytarist for the rock band Goodnight Sunrise. She has her Bachelor of Commerce, teaching degree, and Masters of Mathematics Education. Her goal is to radically change math culture so that math is finally as cool as every single Taylor Swift song ever written. She failed 11th grade math twice, which was the best thing that ever happened to her.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS & DETAILS

• You must be 18+ to attend this event
• Registration will close at 5:00 PM the day before the event
• Please only register yourself and use your complete first and last name as it appears on your photo ID when filling in the form
• If you have a guest you would like to bring with you to this event, please send them the link to register so they can sign up on their own
• By registering to attend this event, participants agree to follow the
• Please note that Math for America will never ask for credit card information or require payment for registration to our free public events.

BUILDING ENTRY PROTOCOL

• All attendees must be pre-registered and walk-in entry will be denied
• Provide a valid photo ID upon entry
• Admittance to the event closes at 5:30 p.m.

Please note that by entering the Simons Foundation buildings, you are attesting that you are not experiencing COVID symptoms and are not knowingly positive for COVID.

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 4:30 - Doors Open
• 4:30-5:15 - Dinner - Dumplings, Salad, Noodles (GF/Vegetarian/Vegan options available)
• 5:15 - Dinner Service Closes
• 5:30 - Start Time: Welcome and Introductions
• 5:40-6:30/6:45 - Movie Screening
• 6:45-7:30 - Reception (and Dinner Reopens)
• 7:30 - Goodbye and See You Next Time!

Please arrive early if you'd like to eat dinner. Dinner service will close at 5:15 p.m.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Math for America