Summit Session Descriptions & Speakers

Like it or not, we are raising kids in the digital age. Between technology in school and the appeal of gaming, kids are surrounded by screens. All of this leads caregivers to wonder: How much screen time is too much? Which games are beneficial, and which are potentially harmful? Is it true that gaming will lead to violent behavior? How can we raise kids to have a healthy relationship with gaming and their other responsibilities? In this session, we'll answer all those questions and more, including how to implement and enforce a healthy balance, and how to set your child up for success as they move toward adulthood. Led by a teacher who is also a parent and a gamer, you'll learn how to support your gamer as they grow, while still allowing them to be their gamer self.

Ash Brandin: Ash Brandin, EdS, has been a public school educator for over a decade. In that time they found innovative ways of using student interests- including video games- to increase engagement and make learning more fun and effective. Since February 2021, their Instagram page- TheGamerEducator- has helped tens of thousands of families make screen time beneficial for the whole family. Ash believes screens should be part of our lives, not the center of our lives, and helps caregivers navigate the world of tech using consistent, loving boundaries. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.

We all have a game we love because we learned something, yet public perception is that games are the antithesis of education. The solution isn’t edutainment- it’s hiding in the entertainment games we love. What do we learn from video games and how do we integrate entertainment games into school without parental uproar or a loss in test scores? Attendees will leave with specific examples of games to integrate in the classroom and home environments as well as broad criteria for determining how and whether to incorporate games into a learning environment.

Ash Brandin: Ash Brandin, EdS, has been a public school educator for over a decade. In that time they found innovative ways of using student interests- including video games- to increase engagement and make learning more fun and effective. Since February 2021, their Instagram page- TheGamerEducator- has helped tens of thousands of families make screen time beneficial for the whole family. Ash believes screens should be part of our lives, not the center of our lives, and helps caregivers navigate the world of tech using consistent, loving boundaries. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.

Transform your gifted student's education through design thinking rather than traditional engineering approaches. Instead of focusing on fixing deficits or meeting standardized benchmarks, build on your child's natural strengths and unique qualities. Create an environment where they can develop authentically and thrive by embracing their individual talents and true self.

Kathy Cordeiro: Kathy joined Art of Problem Solving in 2020, bringing two decades of mathematics education expertise. Her experience includes coaching MATHCOUNTS teams, running math circles, managing competitions at UT Dallas, and supporting International Mathematics Olympiad training programs. As a mother of two AoPS and DYS alumni who experienced various educational paths, she excels at helping students and families optimize their learning journeys.

Discover how math competitions inspire students beyond traditional classroom learning. These challenges offer opportunities to tackle puzzles, explore advanced concepts, and connect with fellow problem-solvers. Learn to select appropriate contests across different levels and fields, and explore training strategies to help students excel in these enriching academic challenges.

Kathy Cordeiro: Kathy joined Art of Problem Solving in 2020, bringing two decades of mathematics education expertise. Her experience includes coaching MATHCOUNTS teams, running math circles, managing competitions at UT Dallas, and supporting International Mathematics Olympiad training programs. As a mother of two AoPS and DYS alumni who experienced various educational paths, she excels at helping students and families optimize their learning journeys.

These presentations are open for both Parents and Alumni.
Some presentations may be more geared towards one or the other and will be noted in the descriptions.

Check back later to see our exciting topics and speaker details soon!