The One-Room Math Schoolhouse: Multi-Age Inquiry for Equity

Dori Isakson Lead Speaker
Unbound Potential Learning Labs
Portland, OR 

Dori Isakson (they/them) is the Founder and Director of Unbound Potential, an education initiative dedicated to creating joyful, student-centered, and equitable learning opportunities in mathematics and beyond. With a Master’s in Mathematics Education K–6 and a background in special education, trauma-informed care, and antiracist practices, Dori has spent their career cultivating learning environments where every student can thrive. They are a teacher, mentor, and facilitator who empowers young people to see themselves as mathematicians and leaders, while supporting educators in implementing culturally responsive, inquiry-based practices. An active member of NCTM, the Benjamin Banneker Association, and the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, Dori emphasizes access, representation, and empowerment for historically underserved learners—including BIPOC students, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and students with advanced learning needs.

Todd Valentine Co-Speaker
Unbound Potential Learning Labs
Portland, OR 
 
Olivia Zivot Co-Speaker
Unbound Potential Learning Labs
Portland, OR 
 
Tue, 3/17: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
119.1 
Session 
60 Minutes 
Sheraton  
Published Room: Endymion/M/P/Zulu 

Description

What if the one-room schoolhouse model could be reimagined for equity and joy? At Unbound Potential Summer Learning Labs, students ages 7–13 learned side by side, using inquiry and curiosity to explore ratios, proportions, genetics, biomimicry, rockets, and art. With multiple levels of prior knowledge, students scaffolded one another's learning, fostering freedom, connection, and rigorous math understanding.

Audience

General Interest

Session Content Level

Intermediate

Strands

Mathematics with Soul: Teaching With Intentionality