East Greenbush CSD Mathematics Teachers (L to R: Christine Kawczak, Frank DiDonato, Gretchen Schulz, Christine Blake, Marilyn Thompson, Scott Monuteaux, Brittany Harrison) with Shea Thorpe ’23 and LayVon Scott ’22 at the 2025 Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State conference in Rochester, N.Y.
The Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS) celebrated its 75th Anniversary earlier this month with its Annual Fall Conference Math For All: Inclusivity, Innovation, Impact in Rochester, N.Y. Three teachers from the East Greenbush Central School District were instrumental in planning and executing all aspects of the conference:
- Frank DiDonato, Columbia High School mathematics teacher and Department Chair for grades 6–12 in the East Greenbush Central School District, served as the 75th Conference Chair
- Christine Kawczak, Columbia High School mathematics teacher, served as Banquet and Food Breaks Committee Chair
- Scott Monuteaux, Columbia High School mathematics teacher, served as AMTNYS Vice President
The conference was attended by more than 500 participants and it featured three keynote events: a keynote address by Dr. José Vilson, a keynote address by Dr. Eugenia Cheng, and a special performance of Matheatre’s Calculus: The Great Musical Math-Off!
Attendees had nearly 170 sessions to choose from, providing a wide range of professional learning opportunities. The Commercial Exhibits and Vendor Networking section featured more than 30 different setups, allowing attendees to explore new resources, instructional tools, and innovative teaching strategies.
Other special events included a Leadership Summit, the NYS Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner, the President’s Welcome Reception featuring numerous board games, and multiple coffee breaks and lunches for different groups within the Association.
A highlight of the event was the Infinite Sparkle Celebration Banquet and Awards, followed by the Regional Dessert Social featuring a live band, and the President’s Social featuring a disc jockey.
An especially poignant moment occurred during the Infinite Sparkle Celebration Banquet. The three Columbia teachers arranged a special performance by LayVon Scott ’22 and Shea Thorpe ’23. Mr. Scott, who attends the Eastman School of Music, is majoring in Vocal Music Education. Mr. Thorpe, who attends the University of Rochester, is double-majoring in Financial Economics and Data Science with a minor in Music. The Columbia High School graduates delivered a rousing performance of One Moment in Time to open the banquet.
Many attendees commented that the performance was a highlight of the celebration. Both former students were invited to stay for the banquet and enjoyed their time with their former teachers and class advisors.
Conference attendees left the event with new insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to bring back to their classrooms and schools. The sessions and special events offered opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with peers, and exposure to innovative approaches that support inclusivity, engagement, and student success in mathematics education.
In addition to the three teachers who were instrumental in planning the conference, it was also attended by Christine Blake (Howard L. Goff Middle School), Brittany Harrison (Red Mill Elementary School), Gretchen Schulz (Columbia High School), and Marilyn Thompson (Columbia High School).