Communities That Count: Why Student Math Confidence Is Everyone’s Business

Students’ beliefs about their math ability are shaped long before they enter the workforce. A panel of educators and administrators will explore how classroom experiences, course placement and adult expectations influence math identity, along with the policy and practice changes that can help more students see themselves as capable mathematicians.

Panelists:

• Dr. Sarah Trench, University of South Florida
  Sarah Trench, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, where her research focuses on equipping teachers to meet the mathematics learning needs of all students. Her work has addressed how teachers use research to inform their practice as well as how they can use consultations to meet the needs of students with learning differences. She has been PI and Co-PI of major federal grants from NSF, US DOE, and Gates Foundation totaling more than $5.8 million.  She co-authored the book Teaching Mathematics Meaningfully: Solutions for Reaching Struggling Learners and has numerous top-tier research publications. She regularly presents to national and international audiences about how teachers can facilitate improved opportunities for students to find success in mathematics. Her national presence has included leadership roles in the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and American Education Research Association (AERA). Her excellence in teaching was recognized by the 2019 USF Undergraduate Teaching award and the 2026 Outstanding Community Engaged Teaching Award.  
• Dr. Sarah Bush, University of Central Florida
  Dr. Sarah B. Bush is a Professor of K–12 STEM Education and the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, she is the Director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy which provides scholarships for teachers to earn a master’s degree. She is also the program coordinator of the Mathematics Education PhD track at UCF. Her expertise focuses on mathematics teacher education, transdisciplinary STE(A)M education, and mathematics and STE(A)M teacher professional learning and leadership. She has authored 13 books and more than 120 journal articles. She is an author of The Math Pact book series, Simplifying STEM book series, and Step into STEAM. She is also an author of McGraw Hill Florida Math for K-12. She is a former member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Board of Directors. She currently serves as a member of the United States National Commission on Mathematics Instruction. She is a former middle school mathematics teacher and received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, specialized in Mathematics Education, from the University of Louisville.
• Ashley Dietz, Florida Philanthropic Network
  Ashley has served as president and CEO of the Florida Philanthropic Network since September 2020 and overall has 15 years of experience in philanthropy. She previously served as Senior Director, Community Partnerships and Operations for United Way Suncoast and worked for the City of Sydney Council in Sydney, Australia for five years, managing complex funding streams and processes at the local government level. She was recently accepted as part of Leadership Florida – Cornerstone 44. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tampa, part of LT Class 2022, named 40 under 40 by the Sarasota Business Observer in 2023, and Top 10 Under 40 by Tampa Bay Magazine in 2022.  Ashley currently serves as a Commissioner for Volunteer Florida, Board of Directors for the Florida Chamber Foundation, Board member for Tampa Bay Thrives, and on the Advisory Board of the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and serves on The Berkeley Fund Committee at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. Ashley has a Master’s in Policy Studies with a focus in International Relations from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She has a B.A. in Media Communications with a Minor in Political Science from Webster University in St. Louis.
  
• Dr. Alice E. Barfield, Superintendent of Glades County Schools
  Dr. Alice E. Barfield has served as Superintendent of Glades County Schools since 2020, leading the district through significant academic and organizational transformation. Under her leadership, Glades County Schools has earned consecutive “A” district ratings and risen among Florida’s top-performing districts. Previously, Dr. Barfield served as a Turnaround Principal in rural and underserved communities, shaping her commitment to ensuring students have access to strong educational opportunities regardless of ZIP code. Her leadership has focused on academic achievement, workforce development, improved facilities and transportation, and expanded college and career pathways, including a Collegiate Academy with Florida SouthWestern State College. Dr. Barfield holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is a graduate of the Harvard Superintendents Leadership Program.