Internal PD Opportunity: New Learning Series for Grades K-3 Mathematics Supporting Collaboration Between Special Education and General Education

Are you looking to increase teaching collaboration between general educators and special educators in early mathematics? 

The ADE/ESS/Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practices team is excited to announce a new professional learning series designed to support five school teams as they seek to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in Mathematics. The learning series includes in-person training, coaching, and follow-up virtual sessions. 

Teaching Partners: Building Number Sense, Foundations for Math Success
Grades K–3rd

Learning Series Description 
Join us for an engaging and hands-on professional learning experience focused on strengthening early mathematics instruction. This learning series will support educators in identifying struggle points in number sense development and providing targeted interventions that lay the groundwork for long-term success in mathematics. Our featured host, Suzi Mast, will guide participants through hands-on learning, modeling instructional routines and strategies that foster mathematical thinking, language, and understanding in young learners. Additional coaching support for administrators and instructional coaches on feedback and implementation practices will be provided as well. Brochure here.

Dates for In-Person Learning Sessions for All Participants: 

• Two-day in-person sessions on September 4th–5th from 8:30–4:30 each day in Tempe, AZ. 

Dates for Two Virtual Learning Sessions for All Participants 

• Zoom Webinar on August 14, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. 
• Zoom Webinar on November 13, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. 

Dates for Three Virtual Learning Sessions for Coaches and Administrators: 

• Zoom Webinars on dates to be determined for October 2025, December 2025, and January 2026.  

Fee: $50 per participant 

School team requirements (up to 6 members): 

• At least one general education teacher and one special education teacher teaching the same grade level 

• One instructional coach, specialist, or teacher leader 

• One administrator 

• Two additional teammates can be a general education teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach, and/or administrator. 

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are due by July 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified about the result of their application on or before July 8, 2025 

Apply for the Teaching Partnerships Learning Series 

About Suzi Mast 

Suzi Mast is a proud Arizona-certified teacher and administrator with over 30 years of experience.  Suzi retired from the Arizona Department of Education, where she was the Director of K-12 Mathematics and Educational Technology for over nine years. Suzi has also been a middle school and high school teacher in Arizona, worked in the private sector in educational technology, and was an administrator for a K-8 district, leading math and science curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  Suzi specializes in Formative Assessment, MTSS, and academic collaboration in math with a focus on access for all students.  Her current passion is early elementary mathematics. Suzi is the Past President of the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) and is the current Vice President of the Central Region for the Arizona Math Leaders (AML).  Suzi is also a member of the Arizona Mathematics Collaborative, which is focused on supporting and creating mathematics pathways from high school to higher education. Suzi is thrilled to be back in the classroom this year, coaching grades K-9 teachers and providing professional development in mathematics content and pedagogy at the state, district, and site levels.   

If you have questions about the professional learning series, please email the Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Inbox.