Sheila Orr (she/her)
@drsheilaorr.bsky.social
Mathematics Teacher Educator, Assistant Professor, Lifelong Spartan, Knowles Senior Fellow
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
“PBL doesn’t work in math.”
Heard that one? 👀
The truth: PBL can deepen rigor and reasoning — when it’s designed for real mathematical thinking.
Let’s stop asking if it works, and start asking:
What math is worth doing — and how can PBL help us get there?
#PBLinMath #MathEd #Edusky
Heard that one? 👀
The truth: PBL can deepen rigor and reasoning — when it’s designed for real mathematical thinking.
Let’s stop asking if it works, and start asking:
What math is worth doing — and how can PBL help us get there?
#PBLinMath #MathEd #Edusky
November 18, 2025 at 11:33 PM
“PBL doesn’t work in math.”
Heard that one? 👀
The truth: PBL can deepen rigor and reasoning — when it’s designed for real mathematical thinking.
Let’s stop asking if it works, and start asking:
What math is worth doing — and how can PBL help us get there?
#PBLinMath #MathEd #Edusky
Heard that one? 👀
The truth: PBL can deepen rigor and reasoning — when it’s designed for real mathematical thinking.
Let’s stop asking if it works, and start asking:
What math is worth doing — and how can PBL help us get there?
#PBLinMath #MathEd #Edusky
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
As Toni Morrison said, "the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work." But she also reminded us never to lose our capacity to be shocked.
Part of my conversation on @ayman.msnbc.com earlier today.
Part of my conversation on @ayman.msnbc.com earlier today.
October 25, 2025 at 11:42 PM
As Toni Morrison said, "the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work." But she also reminded us never to lose our capacity to be shocked.
Part of my conversation on @ayman.msnbc.com earlier today.
Part of my conversation on @ayman.msnbc.com earlier today.
This week we learned with Dr. Alyssa Hadley Dunn about Teaching on Days After — holding care + community at the center. We also explored how different assessments create space for students to show what they know in ways that honor their voices 💛
#TeachingTuesday #TeachingOnDaysAfter
#TeachingTuesday #TeachingOnDaysAfter
October 15, 2025 at 12:54 AM
This week we learned with Dr. Alyssa Hadley Dunn about Teaching on Days After — holding care + community at the center. We also explored how different assessments create space for students to show what they know in ways that honor their voices 💛
#TeachingTuesday #TeachingOnDaysAfter
#TeachingTuesday #TeachingOnDaysAfter
Life has really been life-ing this last week…..but I committed to it so I am still going to post my #teachingtuesday post (just a day late 🤷🏻♀️)
October 9, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Life has really been life-ing this last week…..but I committed to it so I am still going to post my #teachingtuesday post (just a day late 🤷🏻♀️)
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
Thinking back on a class that reminded me why I teach math:
💭 Every student can do rigorous math.
💭 Every student belongs at the math table.
When students feel capable and included, everything changes.
What belief guides your classroom? 👇
#MathForAll #BelongingInMath #MathEd #EduSky #mtbos
💭 Every student can do rigorous math.
💭 Every student belongs at the math table.
When students feel capable and included, everything changes.
What belief guides your classroom? 👇
#MathForAll #BelongingInMath #MathEd #EduSky #mtbos
October 6, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Thinking back on a class that reminded me why I teach math:
💭 Every student can do rigorous math.
💭 Every student belongs at the math table.
When students feel capable and included, everything changes.
What belief guides your classroom? 👇
#MathForAll #BelongingInMath #MathEd #EduSky #mtbos
💭 Every student can do rigorous math.
💭 Every student belongs at the math table.
When students feel capable and included, everything changes.
What belief guides your classroom? 👇
#MathForAll #BelongingInMath #MathEd #EduSky #mtbos
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
If there is no crime, they will implicate there was crime.
If there is no violence, they will create violence.
They will traumatize our children, our grandparents, they will traumatize everyone in order to create a fascist spectacle.
If there is no violence, they will create violence.
They will traumatize our children, our grandparents, they will traumatize everyone in order to create a fascist spectacle.
This explains a lot. For a moment, I wondered why they'd do something as ridiculous as drop agents on the roof of the apartment building from helicopters, but of course, they did it for this footage. The same reason they were marching in formation downtown and snatched a family in Millennium Park.
DHS posted a sizzle reel about it.
October 2, 2025 at 9:04 PM
If there is no crime, they will implicate there was crime.
If there is no violence, they will create violence.
They will traumatize our children, our grandparents, they will traumatize everyone in order to create a fascist spectacle.
If there is no violence, they will create violence.
They will traumatize our children, our grandparents, they will traumatize everyone in order to create a fascist spectacle.
Check out this free resource that came out of work with teachers to help reframe deficit language during PD sessions
Our language shapes what we believe is possible. Let’s make sure it reflects the strengths students bring.
We’ve put together a reflection tool for shifting from deficit-based to asset-based language in classrooms.
📥 Download it free here: subscribepage.io/DcYU0x
#PBL #TeacherTalk #Equity
We’ve put together a reflection tool for shifting from deficit-based to asset-based language in classrooms.
📥 Download it free here: subscribepage.io/DcYU0x
#PBL #TeacherTalk #Equity
Supporting STEM teachers to provide discipline-rich, equitable learning experiences for all students.
subscribepage.io
October 1, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Check out this free resource that came out of work with teachers to help reframe deficit language during PD sessions
Teaching Tuesday: This week my class compared practice standards across disciplines and then built Practice Pathways for our own units.
The best part? Seeing how across math, science, ELA, and social studies, practices drive coherence.
#TeachingTuesday #PracticePathways #TeacherEducation
The best part? Seeing how across math, science, ELA, and social studies, practices drive coherence.
#TeachingTuesday #PracticePathways #TeacherEducation
September 30, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Teaching Tuesday: This week my class compared practice standards across disciplines and then built Practice Pathways for our own units.
The best part? Seeing how across math, science, ELA, and social studies, practices drive coherence.
#TeachingTuesday #PracticePathways #TeacherEducation
The best part? Seeing how across math, science, ELA, and social studies, practices drive coherence.
#TeachingTuesday #PracticePathways #TeacherEducation
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
Speaking of voices under attack…can we be just as loud about Black journalists and comedians who are silenced, even by our so-called liberal outlets.
• Joy Reid
• Don Lemon
• Melissa Harris-Perry
• Tiffany Cross
• Jemele Hill
• Marc Lamont Hill
• Karen Attiah
• Amber Ruffin
• Joy Reid
• Don Lemon
• Melissa Harris-Perry
• Tiffany Cross
• Jemele Hill
• Marc Lamont Hill
• Karen Attiah
• Amber Ruffin
September 25, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Speaking of voices under attack…can we be just as loud about Black journalists and comedians who are silenced, even by our so-called liberal outlets.
• Joy Reid
• Don Lemon
• Melissa Harris-Perry
• Tiffany Cross
• Jemele Hill
• Marc Lamont Hill
• Karen Attiah
• Amber Ruffin
• Joy Reid
• Don Lemon
• Melissa Harris-Perry
• Tiffany Cross
• Jemele Hill
• Marc Lamont Hill
• Karen Attiah
• Amber Ruffin
Excited to be part of sharing some of this amazing work in Atlanta #NCTM25
Our team is headed to #NCTM25 in Atlanta with FIVE sessions! We’re excited to share, learn, and connect with the math ed community. 📚✨
📍 Oct 15–18
📍 Oct 15–18
September 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Excited to be part of sharing some of this amazing work in Atlanta #NCTM25
This week’s class was asynchronous, which gave my students time to dig into disciplinary practices.
The big shift: seeing standards not as checklists, but as doorways into the ways to be a doer of the discipline outside of schools.
#TeachingTuesday #DoersOfTheDiscipline #TeacherEducation
The big shift: seeing standards not as checklists, but as doorways into the ways to be a doer of the discipline outside of schools.
#TeachingTuesday #DoersOfTheDiscipline #TeacherEducation
September 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
This week’s class was asynchronous, which gave my students time to dig into disciplinary practices.
The big shift: seeing standards not as checklists, but as doorways into the ways to be a doer of the discipline outside of schools.
#TeachingTuesday #DoersOfTheDiscipline #TeacherEducation
The big shift: seeing standards not as checklists, but as doorways into the ways to be a doer of the discipline outside of schools.
#TeachingTuesday #DoersOfTheDiscipline #TeacherEducation
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
NEW: I tracked three dozen teachers, professors and other school staff who've been forced from their job or stepped away due to their comments on Charlie Kirk and his killing
Republican lawmakers are increasingly getting involved, pushing for firings
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Republican lawmakers are increasingly getting involved, pushing for firings
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Teachers' punishment for social media posts on Charlie Kirk's death prompts free speech debate
More than three dozen professors, teachers and school staffers have left or been removed over allegations they made disparaging or mocking comments about Charlie Kirk.
www.nbcnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:52 PM
NEW: I tracked three dozen teachers, professors and other school staff who've been forced from their job or stepped away due to their comments on Charlie Kirk and his killing
Republican lawmakers are increasingly getting involved, pushing for firings
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Republican lawmakers are increasingly getting involved, pushing for firings
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
Mid-conversation. Mid-idea. The kind of moments where curiosity meets collaboration — and we dream about what’s possible in #STEM education. #TeacherLife #STEMTeaching #edusky
September 10, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Mid-conversation. Mid-idea. The kind of moments where curiosity meets collaboration — and we dream about what’s possible in #STEM education. #TeacherLife #STEMTeaching #edusky
She is an amazing educator who has inspire so much of my practice! I am so honored to have her as part of my community
Celebrating Monica Sircar — a brilliant science educator, curriculum designer, and thought partner.
From co-developing our initial framework to shaping justice-centered science education, Monica pushes us to dream big and center what matters most. 💙
#ScienceEd #NGSS #PBL #WomenInSTEM #edusky
From co-developing our initial framework to shaping justice-centered science education, Monica pushes us to dream big and center what matters most. 💙
#ScienceEd #NGSS #PBL #WomenInSTEM #edusky
September 17, 2025 at 1:42 AM
She is an amazing educator who has inspire so much of my practice! I am so honored to have her as part of my community
My teacher ed class is full of PSTs across math, science, ELA, social studies and PE. This week we explored content storylines.
What I loved was hearing how each discipline engages in this work. Together we’re not just asking what the standards are, but also how and why they matter #teachingtuesday
What I loved was hearing how each discipline engages in this work. Together we’re not just asking what the standards are, but also how and why they matter #teachingtuesday
September 17, 2025 at 1:36 AM
My teacher ed class is full of PSTs across math, science, ELA, social studies and PE. This week we explored content storylines.
What I loved was hearing how each discipline engages in this work. Together we’re not just asking what the standards are, but also how and why they matter #teachingtuesday
What I loved was hearing how each discipline engages in this work. Together we’re not just asking what the standards are, but also how and why they matter #teachingtuesday
August Sheila - I am giving detailed feedback so students realize I value learning over right answers
September Sheila - why is it taking so long to give all this feedback
Jokes aside it is warming my heart to read all the week 1 reflections (even if it is taking way longer than expected)
September Sheila - why is it taking so long to give all this feedback
Jokes aside it is warming my heart to read all the week 1 reflections (even if it is taking way longer than expected)
September 4, 2025 at 2:06 AM
August Sheila - I am giving detailed feedback so students realize I value learning over right answers
September Sheila - why is it taking so long to give all this feedback
Jokes aside it is warming my heart to read all the week 1 reflections (even if it is taking way longer than expected)
September Sheila - why is it taking so long to give all this feedback
Jokes aside it is warming my heart to read all the week 1 reflections (even if it is taking way longer than expected)
I am going to attempt to use social media to share a window into my classroom like I used to with #teach180
Since I only teach once a week now, I am going to try #TeachingTuesday
✨ Teaching Tuesday ✨
This week in class we dug into standards-based unit planning using Equity by Design as our guide.
Since I only teach once a week now, I am going to try #TeachingTuesday
✨ Teaching Tuesday ✨
This week in class we dug into standards-based unit planning using Equity by Design as our guide.
September 2, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I am going to attempt to use social media to share a window into my classroom like I used to with #teach180
Since I only teach once a week now, I am going to try #TeachingTuesday
✨ Teaching Tuesday ✨
This week in class we dug into standards-based unit planning using Equity by Design as our guide.
Since I only teach once a week now, I am going to try #TeachingTuesday
✨ Teaching Tuesday ✨
This week in class we dug into standards-based unit planning using Equity by Design as our guide.
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
A peek behind the scenes at our annual business meeting 📊✨ We’re reflecting, planning, & dreaming big for the year ahead. Can’t wait to keep building momentum with this community of educators & leaders! #PBL #ProgressEDPathways #BehindTheScenes
August 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
A peek behind the scenes at our annual business meeting 📊✨ We’re reflecting, planning, & dreaming big for the year ahead. Can’t wait to keep building momentum with this community of educators & leaders! #PBL #ProgressEDPathways #BehindTheScenes
My work with @carleemadis.bsky.social and @msdimaria.bsky.social is a finalist for #SXSWEDU please help us get there by voting ❤️
We’re up for #SXSWEDU 2026! Our session, Practice Pathway: Practicing What We Preach, explores how to leverage disciplinary practices.
🗳️ Voting is live—help bring this conversation to Austin!
🔗 bit.ly/PickUsSXSW
Click the ❤️ to vote
#edusky #STEMEd #SXSWPanelPicker
🗳️ Voting is live—help bring this conversation to Austin!
🔗 bit.ly/PickUsSXSW
Click the ❤️ to vote
#edusky #STEMEd #SXSWPanelPicker
August 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
My work with @carleemadis.bsky.social and @msdimaria.bsky.social is a finalist for #SXSWEDU please help us get there by voting ❤️
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
Join us for the next JRME Talk on September 9!
José Gutiérrez and coauthors will discuss their forthcoming article, "Signs of Power and Dominance: Mathematics, the Logic of Elimination, and Indian Boarding Schools, 1879–1932."
Free and open to all: nctm.link/85t2z
José Gutiérrez and coauthors will discuss their forthcoming article, "Signs of Power and Dominance: Mathematics, the Logic of Elimination, and Indian Boarding Schools, 1879–1932."
Free and open to all: nctm.link/85t2z
July 29, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Join us for the next JRME Talk on September 9!
José Gutiérrez and coauthors will discuss their forthcoming article, "Signs of Power and Dominance: Mathematics, the Logic of Elimination, and Indian Boarding Schools, 1879–1932."
Free and open to all: nctm.link/85t2z
José Gutiérrez and coauthors will discuss their forthcoming article, "Signs of Power and Dominance: Mathematics, the Logic of Elimination, and Indian Boarding Schools, 1879–1932."
Free and open to all: nctm.link/85t2z
Q3: I am teaching two new to me courses and the students and I only meet face to face every other week. I have no idea how I will build meaningful community when our interactions will be so infrequent #TODOSslowchat
Q3: Share one challenge you anticipate this school year and how you’re planning to overcome it. Let's problem solve in community here!
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
August 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Q3: I am teaching two new to me courses and the students and I only meet face to face every other week. I have no idea how I will build meaningful community when our interactions will be so infrequent #TODOSslowchat
Q2: I always do a collaborative math task. When I was in K-12, I did origami boxes and Mayan numbers (from @rickbrlw on Twitter…I think). Now I do usually do a pattern task to get future teachers thinking about how to work together and challenge what math classrooms can look like #TODOSslowchat
Q2: What is one activity you do with your students on the first day of math class and why is it important?
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
August 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Q2: I always do a collaborative math task. When I was in K-12, I did origami boxes and Mayan numbers (from @rickbrlw on Twitter…I think). Now I do usually do a pattern task to get future teachers thinking about how to work together and challenge what math classrooms can look like #TODOSslowchat
Q1: Sheila, Math teacher educator, Michigan #TODOSslowchat
Q1: Welcome to the TODOS Back to School slow chat! Share your name, role, and where you’re chatting from.
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
#edusky #mathsky #TODOSslowchat
August 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Q1: Sheila, Math teacher educator, Michigan #TODOSslowchat
Reposted by Sheila Orr (she/her)
Friendly reminder that school administrators tend to take complaints from parents much more seriously than the same complaints from teachers. So if your kids’ school district is using PragerU stuff, please speak up.
The White House has a preferred alternative to PBS: PragerU, a nonprofit organization that specializes in creating right-leaning educational short videos for adults and children. . It may already be in countless classrooms. www.vox.com/today-explai...
The White House has a preferred alternative to PBS. It may already be in countless classrooms.
How the right-wing network PragerU could fill the void left by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s defunding.
www.vox.com
August 8, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Friendly reminder that school administrators tend to take complaints from parents much more seriously than the same complaints from teachers. So if your kids’ school district is using PragerU stuff, please speak up.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be in community with thoughtful educators
Still reflecting on the energy of #NTAC2025. Huge thanks to the educators who joined our sessions & shared their insights. Their words stuck with us—swipe through the post to read a few! 💬 #PBL #NTAC #TeacherVoices #edusky
August 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be in community with thoughtful educators