Motivational Mathing (and other things)!

While Vanessa founded The Math Guru to change the world one student at a time, her ultimate dream is to change the culture surrounding EVERY aspect of education - for everyone! What does that even mean? It means that she wants to share HER brand of education, with YOU. Whether you’re a kid, teenager, student, educator, parent, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to feel empowered to make ANY dream a reality, Vanessa’s your girl.

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We’ve been talking about education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship forever. It’s time to talk about those things in a groundbreaking, exciting, innovative way! That’s what makes Vanessa one of the most sought after speakers, that’s what makes her different, that’s what makes her someone who changes perspectives, and ultimately, lives!

“This was one of the best sessions of the conference...and all time! I have always wanted to figure out how to tackle math anxiety in my school. This session provided clear, concise, and practical steps that I can start using to create a safe and fun space for students to thrive in math. I am inspired and ready to catalyze change!”

— TJ Capella, Educator

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 27 2024 Math Therapy: heal your math trauma Mathematics Education Appreciation Day *Virtual (University of Arizona, USA)

February 8-9 2024 Math Therapy North Central Teacher’s Convention (Edmonton, Alberta)

February 13 2024 Announcement TBD

February 15-16 2024 Announcement TBD

February 22 2024 Math Therapy SEATCA (Medicine Hat, Alberta)

February 23 2024 Math Therapy Palliser District Teacher’s Convention (Calgary, Alberta)

March 1 2024 Math Therapy Greater Edmonton Teacher’s Convention (Edmonton, Alberta)

March 4-7 2024 Busting Math Myths South by Southwest Edu (Austin, Texas USA)

March 12 2024 Announcement TBD

July 15-17 2024 CAMT Math Therapy (Houston, Texas, USA)

July 21-24 2024 Get Your Teach On Math Therapy (Orlando, Florida, USA)

PUBLISHED ACADEMIC WORK (HIGHLIGHTS)

For non-academic published work like articles, blog posts, and editorials, please check out our press page!

Math Hacks 2 2020 (Scholastic INC, Canada)

Math Hacks 2018 (Scholastic INC, Canada)

Discourse, Power, Resistance 2012 & 2013 (University of Greenwich, UK)

Power and Education (journal) 2012 (UK)

TOPIC LIST & THOUGHT PROVOKING IDEAS

Vanessa has something to offer all audiences! So what can you expect when you book Vanessa to speak at your next event? Eye opening ideas that present in both lecture and interactive form. Here are some of the topics Vanessa can speak on - she's super fun and makes every presentation entertaining, engaging, and kind if hilarious!

 

Raising kids who aren’t afraid of math (even if you are!) (for educators and/or parents)

Let's be honest. Math can be super stressful for kids, parents AND teachers these days. Feeling like you can't do math leads to a lack of confidence, a feeling of hopelessness, and...a LOT of tears. But guess what? You don't have to be a math genius in order to inspire one! These 5 super secret tips are guaranteed to turn that math frown upside down - for parents, teachers, AND their kids!

Growth mindset + making failure your bff (For students)

Vanessa believes that failing Grade 11 math twice was the best thing that ever happened to her and wants to show kids, parents, and teachers why failure should be everyone’s new favourite F-word! This workshop unpacks the myth of the overnight success, digs into the role of failure in some of our most valuable lessons, and leaves audiences with practical tips on how to start getting excited about making mistakes - RIGHT now!

Imagining a world where even celebrities love math (For students and/or educators)

Have you ever seen a movie where the cool, popular cheerleader loves math? Didn’t think so! Totally groundbreaking, entertaining, and thought-provoking, this presentation explores how media-induced stereotypes bully girls (& often boys!) into feeling like being good at math threatens their identities. This presentation empowers audiences to take a stand and make real, meaningful change!

 

Harnessing the empowering role of failure in math class (for educators)

What do Lady Gaga & Einstein have in common? Failing...a lot! Fear of failure prevents students from asking questions, speaking up & liking math. This session explores how we can harness failure to inspire students to take risks in math class & IRL!


#YOLO: Becoming the triple threat you were born to be! (For anyone)

Have you ever been afraid to try something new because you're terrified it might not work out? Or maybe you've had this recurring dream your entire life but have been too scared to GO for it? If these thoughts sound familiar, you're not alone. It's time to kiss fear goodbye and say HELLO to making your dreams your actual, everyday reality. LET'S DO THIS! Because #YOLO.

Math Therapy: A crash course in becoming a math therapist! (for educators)

Did you know that almost everyone who thinks they're "not a math person" has unresolved math trauma? We’ve all had math teachers, but how many of you have had a Math Therapist?! If you’re ready to dig deep, this workshop will empower you with the tools you need to add “math therapy” to your list of teachables. Through teaching math, we can empower our students to believe they are capable of anything & THAT is what being a math therapist is all about!

PUBLISHED ACADEMIC WORK (HIGHLIGHTS)

For non-academic published work like articles, blog posts, and editorials, please check out our press page!

Math Hacks 2018 (Scholastic INC, Canada)

Discourse, Power, Resistance 2012 & 2013 (University of Greenwich, UK)

Power and Education (journal) 2012 (UK)

Fields Institute 2011, 2018 (University of Toronto, ON