This summer, Dr. John C. Nardo, Professor of Mathematics at Oglethorpe University, had the unique opportunity to attend the International Congress on Mathematical Education in Sydney, Australia. This prestigious event, the largest international mathematics education conference in the world, drew over 2,500 educators from 49 countries. Dr. Nardo joined this global community to discuss emerging trends in math education across all levels.
Dr. John C. Nardo and his workshop session
“Over and over, hearing people from different countries and contexts discuss their love for teaching and their students and how hard they work to experiment with and improve their teaching and students’ learning was inspiring,” says Dr. Nardo. “Though we came from very different backgrounds and contexts, that commitment bound us together. It was profound!”
During the conference, Dr. Nardo delivered a compelling one-hour presentation titled “Inclusive and Interdisciplinary Pedagogies to Lower Mathematical Barriers for First-Year STEM Students.” His presentation was informed by work done as part of Oglethorpe’s inclusive excellence grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which has spurred a renaissance of STEM education at the university.
He intends to bring back valuable insights from the conference to share with his colleagues, further enhancing the support for student success.
“My workshop and the sessions I selected to attend over that week—hard to pick just one in most timeslots—are inexorably tied to my teaching,” says Dr. Nardo. “Every session I attended gave me one or more nuggets or ideas that I can put to use in my own classroom at OU.”
Last fall, Dr. Nardo was named the Manning M. Pattillo, Jr. Professor of Liberal Arts, one of Oglethorpe University’s most prestigious honors for faculty. 
Named in honor of Dr. Manning M. Pattillo, Oglethorpe University’s 13th president, this endowed professorship recognizes Oglethorpe faculty for their commitment to teaching and student success. The funds available through this professorship helped Dr. Nardo attend this conference.
In addition to the professional development, Dr. Nardo immersed himself in the rich cultural and natural experiences Australia offers. He enjoyed petting koalas, feeding kangaroos and wallabies at animal sanctuaries, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, and witnessing the stunning sunrises and sunsets at Uluru in the Outback.
Overall, Dr. Nardo’s trip to Australia was both enlightening and impactful, benefiting not only his professional growth but also the broader Oglethorpe University learning community.
