Math and Science Educators to 'Learn, Energize and Connect' at Texas Instruments T3 2011 International Conference

Leading professional development conference to explore mathematics and science education technology

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Feb 07, 2011, 10:10 ET

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Educators from around the world will converge in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 25-27, 2011 at the 23rd Annual T3™ International Conference to explore the latest innovations in mathematics and science education and technology used in teaching.

The T3 – Teachers Teaching with Technology™ – International Conference hosted by Texas Instruments (TI), includes more than 500 sessions that cover mathematics, science and teaching methods using technology. Sessions also cover other subject areas educators say are critical to their success. More than 1,600 educators are expected to attend the conference, which is being held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

For more than 20 years, presenters at the T3 International and Regional Conferences have educated fellow teachers on the innovative ways to sharpen their pedagogy skills and to engage students in the math and science classroom using technology. Teachers who attend this year's international conference will learn from experienced educators, participate in hundreds of hands-on sessions, network with other educators and receive classroom activities and ideas to implement in their own classrooms. They also have the opportunity to preview the latest classroom technology from Texas instruments.

One significant topic the conference will address is how technology can assist at-risk children in today's classrooms. Sessions will discuss new tools and approaches for educators who teach at-risk students.

"According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2009 more than 32 million students in the United States were considered 'at-risk,'"* said Gayle Mujica, director of professional development and content for TI's Education Technology division. "With so many at-risk students in our classrooms, it's more important than ever to find a way to engage them. We believe technology designed specifically for educational purposes can help, particularly in the areas of mathematics and science."

To address this issue, a special conference panel will be offered – "Engaging At-Risk Students with Classroom Technology." The session discusses the challenges in teaching algebra to at-risk students and how TI technology enhances instructional practices that are addressing those challenges. Speakers include Dr. Phoebe Gillespie of the National Center to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Qualified Personnel for Children with Disabilities, Dr. Susie Hakansson of the California Mathematics Project, Dr. Alyson Mike of the New Teacher Center and Terry Faitel, a Michigan mathematics educator and T3 Instructor.

The conference will also have several sessions dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics, including a dynamic panel, "Impacting the Global Workforce through STEM Education." Speakers include: Carol Gautier of Transformation T-STEM 2013, Terri Stripling of Ten80 Education, Ian Galloway of the University of Southampton School of Education and Dustin Pyles of the Tri-Rivers Educational Computer Association.

A firm foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is essential for future career success. The U.S. Department of Labor projects there will be more than 2 million STEM-related job openings by 2014, but the number of Americans graduating with degrees in those subjects is declining. Texas Instruments is working with educators to bridge that gap, empowering them with tools and techniques to reach students more effectively.

In addition, the T3 International Conference will offer several sessions focused on NASA initiatives that allow mathematics and science students to use TI technology to solve problems based on real human space flight applications. NASA's "Exploring Space Through Math" and "Math and Science @ Work" projects developed in partnership with Texas Instruments present students with rich experiences in real-world mathematics and science learning.

"The T3 International Conference provides an opportunity for education professionals to come together and learn from each other," Mujica said. "Teachers are harnessing technology in new and powerful ways to create 21st century teaching and learning environments for mathematics and science. Working together, we can help our schools, our teachers and our students to remain innovative and globally competitive."

For more information on the T3 International Conference or to register, please visit http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/pd_conferences_sanantonio.html.

About Texas Instruments

Education Technology, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to explore mathematics and science interactively. TI's products and services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party research, which shows that the use of graphing calculators helps improve the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com.

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.ti.com.

*National Center for Education Statistics, 2008-2009 school year – The 32 million-plus at-risk students in the United States encompasses: 1) the total free/ reduced-price lunch students; 2) Limited English Proficient/English Language Learners and 3) total Individualized Education Program students.

SOURCE Texas Instruments