Etched entirely with data relevant to the playing of a Cello, including the speed of sound traveling parallel to the wood grain, the Hz frequencies of each possible note on each string, and the 12th root of 2, used for the western tuning system. (https://siennaartstudios.com/shop/cello)
One of my favorite artists is Sienna Cenere (https://siennaartstudios.com/). She uses science and mathematics in her art in amazing ways to highlight the complexity and depth of the world around us. One piece, Cello (shown above), is a magical image in which I can sense and almost hear the music as I look at the image. It brings me such joy at a simple first glance. However, my admiration and understanding of the image only increases as I look closer and discover that it isn’t just the image I see. Instead, I notice numbers and data are carefully woven together to create the image. The piece is made with drawings of data that relate to playing the Cello (see description from the website that is below the image). These data are what works together to make the music and artwork shown above, just as AMTE is more than just a group of mathematics teacher educators. We are a complex group of individuals with different experiences, relationships, and strengths that work together to create a supportive, inclusive space to push mathematics teacher education forward in research, teaching, and supporting the learning of mathematics education. Each person both within AMTE and those impacted by mathematics teacher education are more complex than the images we may see at first glance and this matters.
Throughout my time as AMTE president, I have learned and grown so much from listening to the music and examining the depth behind the work that occurs within AMTE by its membership. From the Professional Learning Community’s leadership in the virtual institute on the hidden curriculum of being an MTE, to the Community Circles, to STaR, to articles in our publications, to the Technology Position Statement, to podcasts, to Get the Facts Out, there are so many people sharing bits of themselves so we may grow and learn. As we prepare for 2023, I pause to reflect upon the wonderful work of so many colleagues who volunteer through AMTE to support mathematics teacher education. The elected board members, five division vice presidents, over 20 associate vice presidents, and over 80 committee members are what makes AMTE harmonies of outreach, community, and empowerment effective.
As we prepare for the 2023 AMTE Annual Conference, I hope you will reflect on ways that you have listened, learned, and grown from AMTE members and those with whom we work and live. These harmonies of diverse experiences and perspectives are needed to enrich the music that is mathematics teacher education. I appreciate the insight that Shari Stockero, Enrique Galindo, and Michael Steele have provided during my term in considering the complexities in working toward the mission and goals of AMTE. Their support and perspectives have been invaluable. The AMTE Board and committee members all have important voices, ideas, and perspectives that have helped us continue to move forward in positive ways while also centering people at the heart of our work. AMTE truly is led by multiple voices all working together to create a powerful score of music.
Roy Ayers once said, “The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.” What is the message we share about mathematics education and relationships? I believe the work of AMTE should continue to help us explore this question. I am thankful that our AMTE community supports us where we are, but also pushes us as individuals and as an organization to continue improving and advocating for our students, colleagues, and mathematics teacher education. I look forward to listening, learning, and making music together as a community in New Orleans in February. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the work leading up to this. May we continue to grow, share, and learn from each other to make a difference in our communities and improve mathematics education so all may see the beauty and music that is mathematics.
Listening and learning!
Megan Burton
Artwork by:
Sienna Cenere
Sienna Art Studios