Advancing Math Education in Ontario: Insights from OAME Experts Wayne Erdman and Ron Lancaster

For educators across Ontario, professional development remains essential, because teachers like to learn too. As classrooms evolve and expectations shift, ongoing learning plays a critical role in shaping the future of math education. The Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME) is a non-profit organization that brings together math educators from across Ontario and Canada to collaborate, share strategies, and support student success. In this special math-focused blog, we hear from two well-known leaders in mathematics education - an interview with Wayne Erdman, Co-Chair, OAME 2026, as well as reflections from Ron Lancaster, Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Read on for insights from both math experts on the evolving landscape of math education and the value of ongoing professional learning.

Teachers on Call’s online and in-home tutoring service has long recognized the importance of math education, with math tutoring remaining one of the most requested subjects among elementary and high school students since our start in 1984. Our team actively supports professional development for educators across subject areas, with a strong emphasis on mathematics, and is a longstanding supporter of the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME). Through its work, OAME supports educators at all levels, offering professional learning opportunities, resources, and community connections, including its signature annual spring conference.

Inside OAME’s Signature Event: The Annual Spring Math Education Conference

Recognized as its signature event, the OAME annual spring conference is the largest math education conference in Canada. It brings together a diverse group of delegates from across the province and beyond, including elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, teacher candidates, school and board-level leaders, and instructors from faculties of education. Through keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and collaborative sessions, the conference is designed to address real classroom challenges, foster meaningful connections, and support student success in mathematics.

A unique feature of the OAME conference is its rotating format, with a different host location across Ontario each year. Recent examples include April 30 – May 1, 2026 in London (Fanshawe College: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, London, ON N5Y 5R6), May 8–9, 2025 in Durham Region (Durham College/Ontario Tech University: 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5), May 2–4, 2024 in Kingston (St. Lawrence College: 100 Portsmouth Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 5A6 ), and 2023 in downtown Toronto (Beanfield Centre, Exhibition Place: 100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3).

Meet Wayne Erdman: Co-Chair, OAME 2026 Conference

At the centre of this year’s planning is Wayne Erdman, Co-Chair, OAME 2026. A highly experienced mathematics educator, Wayne holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo (200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1) and a Bachelor of Education from Western University (1137 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1G7). He has been a co-author or contributor to over 30 mathematics textbooks and educational resources since 1997 with leading publishers including McGraw-Hill Education. In addition to his work in publishing, he serves as a faculty advisor to teacher candidates from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and Western University, supporting the next generation of educators. His leadership in organizing conferences and educational events continues to shape meaningful professional learning opportunities for teachers across Ontario and Canada.

A Conversation with Wayne Erdman: Inside the OAME Conference and the Future of Math Education in Ontario

For those new to the organization, what is the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME/AOEM), who makes up your membership community, and how can educators become members?

The Ontario Association for Mathematics Education is the professional organization for everyone interested in Mathematics Education in Ontario. Our mission is to promote, support, and advocate for excellence in mathematics education throughout the Province of Ontario.

Is OAME designed primarily for elementary or secondary educators, or does it intentionally bring together teachers across the full K-12 spectrum?

OAME is designed for math educators at all levels, from K to 12, as well as post-secondary.

OAME offers a range of professional development opportunities. Can you share more about the types of programs, conferences, and events you offer, and how they support engagement and learning in math both inside and beyond the classroom?

The two main events organized by OAME are the annual conference in the spring, and a leadership conference in the fall. OAME also hosts a podcast, OAME Talks, in which the host discusses topics of interest in the mathematics education community with their guests, who are leaders in math education. Local chapters also organize single day conferences, book talks, virtual speaker series and student math olympics.  Finally, OAME sponsors annual awards to people in the mathematics education community who have contributed to Mathematics Education in a very special way.

The OAME annual conference is a well-known event in the education community. Can you share what makes this conference experience unique year after year?

The OAME conference brings educators together from public, Catholic and independent schools to collaborate and learn together. Sessions are geared toward the full spectrum of grade levels, as well as covering a diverse collection of topics. We also have an exhibitors hall and a technology playroom, where attendees can try the latest offerings by our exhibitors in a hands-on environment. To make each year's conference unique, there is a special theme that presenters are asked to include in their sessions. For example, the theme in 2026 is Let's Talk Math, for which presenters are encouraged to include communication by students and teachers to empower educators with strategies that amplify student voices and foster a culture of inclusivity.

Where does the conference typically take place, and how do you decide on host locations across the province?

The conference is held in a different city each year. This provides teachers across the province an equitable opportunity to attend conferences in their general area of the province. Locations are determined by the locale of the sponsoring chapter.

OAME conferences have been held both in-person across Ontario and virtually in recent years. How has this flexibility impacted accessibility for educators?

Many people prefer an in-person conference because it allows them to meet educators from different parts of the country, and encourages collaboration and networking with other like-minded educators.  At the same time, the availability of virtual technology provides people the opportunity to attend conferences when travel distances are significant, or if supply teachers are not available in their local board of education.

Can you tell us more about where attendees travel from, and how the conference brings together educators from different regions of Ontario?

Most attendees and presenters come from across Ontario. However, we have a loyal following from across Canada. Attendees want to be part of the largest math education conference in Canada, so they are willing to travel long distances to attend. In addition, there are many experts in their fields who live and work in various educational institutes across the country, and we encourage them to participate as presenters. Finally, we usually have a small, but significant, number of international presenters and delegates who join us at our conferences.

What types of learning experiences can attendees expect, for example keynote speakers, breakout sessions, or hands-on workshops?

Our keynote speakers are usually well known experts in education, and hail from Canada or international locations. Our featured speakers are usually from Ontario, but are also recruited from across Canada and internationally. Keynote and featured sessions are generally lecture style in front of large audiences. We encourage session presenters to make their sessions interactive, so the format of our breakout sessions is usually hands-on or discussion-based.

How does bringing together educators from different grade levels strengthen math teaching and learning?

The continuum of learning is very important in education, and networking with those from other grade levels helps teachers better understand where their students are coming from and where they are going in the continuum. For example, when a secondary school teacher learns about how elementary students learn to multiply large numbers in a non-standard algorithm, they will be able to help their students more readily if they are struggling with higher level math.

What have you learned from educators across Ontario about the biggest challenges students currently face in math?

There are many challenges facing students, particularly those issues currently in the news, such as absenteeism. Specific to math, students often struggle with learning styles not being appropriately addressed, lack of classroom supplies, such as manipulatives, and availability of subject specific professional development from their boards of education. Mathematics educators attend the OAME conference looking for strategies to overcome these challenges.

Meet Ron Lancaster: Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto (OISE) and OAME Speaker

Ron Lancaster, Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE, St George Campus: 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6), is a respected leader in mathematics education and a recognized expert in outdoor math trails. A longtime contributor to the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education community, Ron will be speaking at this year’s OAME Conference - marking his 42nd conference as a speaker. He will be co-presenting a math walk alongside three fellow educators, bringing hands-on, real-world math experiences to life for attendees. Below, read Ron’s reflections from four decades with OAME. Educators can also explore his recent Teachers on Call math guest blog, published for Pi Day, for additional insights and inspiration here.

From First Conference to Lifelong Impact: Ron Lancaster Reflects on His OAME Journey

By Ron Lancaster

The very first talk I gave for teachers (it was about the Rubik's Cube) was at the 1983 OAME Annual Conference in Waterloo, Ontario. I have been a member since 1986.

At the first professional conference I ever attended, I was amazed by the workshops led by classroom teachers—many of those ideas still resonate in my teaching today. Beyond the sessions, I was struck by the sense of community. There were social gatherings, talent nights, and even off-site trips for spouses. I particularly remember the "Nugget Sessions," where four people gave short talks in a single hour. It was a brilliant, low-pressure way for teachers to give their very first workshop. I even performed a magic show based on mathematics!

I became aware of, and in some cases met, a number of amazing teachers at that conference, including Ed Anderson, Ed Barbeau, Rick Boychuk, Enzo Carli, Dave Cornwall, Peter Crippen, Ron Dunkley, Sandy Emms, George Fawcett, Gary Flewelling, Don Fraser, Ken Fryer, Elaine Harvey, Brendan Kelly, Mary Lou Kestell, George Knill, Murray Major, Doug McDougall, Dave McKay, John McKnight, Dave Mitchell, Dean Murray, Gord Nicholls, Alex Norrie, Larry Ridge, Mickey Sandblom, Michael Tabor, Stu Telfer, Jack Weiner, and Lorna Wiggan. Some of these individuals were starting their careers like me, while others were giants in mathematics education whom I was seeing in action for the first time.

Being surrounded by teachers who loved both their students and mathematics had a lasting effect on me. I have attended and given a talk at every annual conference (except one) since then. That first experience taught me the value of being professionally involved and building a network of peers. I have also had the privilege of speaking at every one of the OAME/AOEM Chapters, which allowed me to travel the province and learn what teachers are doing locally.

Of all the talks I have given, the most memorable remain the ones I co-presented with others. One highlight was the 1997 OAME Annual Conference, where I co-led a three-hour "Toronto Math Trail" minicourse with my Grade 7 students from St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (1080 Linbrook Rd, Oakville, ON L6J 2L1), an independent all-girls school in Oakville, Ontario.

I have been incredibly fortunate to be associated with OAME for over 35 years. It has shaped my professional growth in ways I could never have imagined. My wish for all teachers—especially those just starting—is that you make OAME part of your life. Attend conferences, lead workshops, write articles, and build your network. We are all on a journey to become great teachers; we may never fully "arrive," but OAME helps us get closer to that goal.

In Conclusion: Advancing Math Education Through Professional Learning

Professional development remains at the core of effective math instruction. As highlighted throughout this blog, mathematics continues to be an area where many students struggle, from building foundational number sense to mastering more advanced concepts such as algebra, functions, and calculus. Too often, students do not feel confident in math, yet it remains one of the most important subjects, serving as a prerequisite for many post-secondary programs. As a result, educators are continually refining their approach - exploring new strategies, adapting to different learning styles, and finding meaningful ways to support student success.

This work is deeply personal. Teachers on Call’s in-home and online math tutors are passionate about supporting students at every stage of their academic journey, from kindergarten through Grade 12, including Advanced Functions, Calculus, and Data Management. Through a consistent, relationship-based approach, the focus is on helping each student not only understand the provincial math curriculum, but also build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and achieve long-term success in math.

Professional learning opportunities, like those offered through the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME), continue to play an important role in equipping educators with the tools and strategies needed to support students in meaningful and lasting ways.

Are you a teacher looking for more professional development in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)? Be sure to check out our past interview with Nathalie Rudner, Executive Director of the Science Teachers Association of Ontario (STAO). Click here.