edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinars- This event has passed.
Unmasking the Math Mindset: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School (Part 2)
Thursday, April 30, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Presented by Dr. Erik Weitnauer, Cognitive Scientist, Co-Founder, Graspable Math; Dr. Stefani Pautz Stephenson, Former Educator, Current Senior Director, Networks and Programs, Digital Promise; and Nick Schiner, Former Educator, Current Director, Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning, Digital Promise
Sponsored by Digital Promise
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
For too many middle school students, rigid memorization exercises can mask their underlying potential as mathematical thinkers, leading to frustrating performance and poor conceptual understanding. When educators design for learner variability—considering a whole-child framework of factors that includes math mindset, cognitive flexibility, and mathematical flexibility—students can unlock their true potential.
Join learner variability expert Dr. Stefani Pautz Stephenson and math technology expert Dr. Erik Weitnauer for an engaging edWebinar on developing learners’ mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In part two of this three-part series, you learn:
- How to identify learner variability factors connected to building math skills and apply research-backed strategies to help middle school math learners thrive
- Strategies to help students deepen their understanding of algebra in a dynamic digital environment and develop problem-solving skills through what they see, do, and touch
This recorded edWebinar is designed for grades 6-8 educators, instructional coaches, and leaders committed to creating equitable pathways for every unique learner.
View part one: Building ELA Skills for Every Student: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School
View part three: Leveling Up SEL Through Play and Games: Designing for Learner Variability in Middle School
About the Presenters
Dr. Erik Weitnauer is the Technical Founder and President of Graspable Math, a research-based interactive algebra platform used by over 100,000 students each year. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science and has spent over a decade translating research on how perception and interaction shape mathematical reasoning into practice. As PI on several Department of Education grants, Dr. Weitnauer led the development of a digital interactive notation system, which has been shown to enhance learning in randomized controlled trials and earned top-tier ratings on the What Works Clearinghouse and Evidence for ESSA. He is passionate about building tools that make algebra more intuitive and accessible for every learner.
Dr. Stefani Pautz Stephenson is Senior Director of Networks and Programs with Digital Promise. In that role, Dr. Stephenson leads a portfolio of projects catalyzing research-backed and co-designed solutions that respond to real-world contexts and challenges, including the Learner Variability Navigator. Her experience in education includes work in K-12 public schools as a teacher and administrator, in higher education, and in the nonprofit sector. She holds an Ed.D. in instructional technology and is passionate about including practitioner voice in research and development. Her areas of expertise include change leadership, instructional design, and learner variability.
Nick Schiner is the Director of Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning at Digital Promise. Nick began his career as a classroom educator with Baltimore County Public Schools, teaching fourth and fifth grade before moving into the role of Elementary Technology Integration Specialist. After his time in the classroom, he served as Team Leader on the district’s Innovative Learning Team, where he oversaw efforts to help teachers integrate technology meaningfully and design hands-on, authentic learning experiences grounded in constructionism and constructivism. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a master’s degree in educational technology from Johns Hopkins University.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join The Digital Promise Future of Learning community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who’ve been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow Digital Promise for updates.
