• It's Year Two of our Fresh Thinking Summer Math Conference! Last year, 167 incredible educators joined us for two amazing days of math in Kansas City. This year, we invite educators to experience our unique approach to summer learning in Purchase, NY – a suburb of New York City. On July 20th and 21st, Greg Tang Sr and Greg Tang Jr will lead two inspiring days of learning and collaboration. We are thrilled to be joined by memory expert and neuroscientist Dr. Margaret Keane, technology expert Tammy Tang, and math curriculum specialist Shelly Chandra.

  • Our goal is to provide the best professional development you have ever experienced. We offer a carefully crafted slate of sessions that covers key concepts, models, and strategies at each grade level. Together, they offer a strategic, systematic approach to teaching and learning – one that is producing incredible gains in student understanding and test scores across the country.

    If you are looking for fresh ideas that will transform your teaching and enrich your life, this conference is for you.

    Help us spread the word by sharing our conference link or flyer with colleagues. Then join us in July as we welcome the Fresh Thinking Class of 2026. Math – and you – will never be the same!

  • 🌱...🌱...🌱...🌱...🌱

  • This year's conference is offered in collaboration with the Rockland Teachers' Center/Institute (RTC) and Manhattanville University's School of Education. RTC proudly partners with the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS) and the Ten County Mathematics Educators Association (TCMEA) to deliver high-quality statewide and regional professional learning opportunities that strengthen mathematics instruction. RTC collaborates with Manhattanville University School of Education to offer educators and career changers convenient, high-quality graduate programs. Visit: RockTeach.org

    Manhattanville's School of Education prepares PreK-12 teachers and administrators, higher education and community leaders, and educational industry entrepreneurs to become leaders through community-based field experiences in area schools and educational agencies. Visit: mville.edu

  • 🌱 Fresh Thinking

    Are you ready for a new kind of summer learning—one that’s practical, inspiring, and designed with you in mind? At our Fresh Thinking Conference, you’ll get a clear, common-sense approach to teaching math at every grade level.

  • 🌱 Who Should Attend?

    Teachers looking to strengthen their math instruction, coaches supporting school-wide improvement, interventionists helping students close learning gaps, and administrators seeking a more effective approach to learning.

  • 🌱 Proven Strategies

    Every session is based on the work Greg Tang has done with more than 140,000 teachers and 2 million students. These methods are producing huge gains in student understanding and test scores. Research-based learning that works.

  • 🌱 Year-Long Partnership

    The key to effective professional development is meaningful and timely follow-up. We meet year-round with our conference attendees and provide:

    ✓ Free, virtual PD
    ✓ Help with lesson planning
    ✓ Live & recorded student lessons

  • 🌱 Classroom Resources

    Our Fresh Thinking Foundation equips every attendee with digital resources, hands-on math centers, and engaging math puzzle packs. These proven classroom resources build key skills, develop fact and procedural fluency, and put simply, make learning stick.

  • 🌱 Teacher Grants

    Funding for summer PD can be a challenge. If you've exhausted funding options and your school or grants don't cover your costs, apply for a Fresh Thinking Grant. We've allocated 85% of our conference budget to supporting you and your students. We will try to help.

Credit Options

Graduate Credit, Inservice Hours, and CTLE

1 Graduate Credit through Manhattanville University:  $320 

15 Inservice Hours for salary advancement: $150   

CTLE (NYSED Continuing Teacher and Leader Education Requirements): Free
Rockland Teachers’ Center is a NYSED-approved CTLE sponsor.

Audit:  Free

Credit Registration Link

Ready to register for credit?
Click here to use your Frontline Professional Growth (MyLearningPlan) account.

New to Frontline?
Follow these directions to create an account.

Questions?
Contact Debbie Studnitzer at RTCI.

RTCI accepts credit cards and District Purchase Orders.
Be sure to complete the evaluation at the end of the conference!

Speakers

  • Greg Tang Sr.

  • Dr. Margaret Keane

  • Greg Tang Jr.

  • Tammy Tang

  • Shelly Chandra

Speaker Bios

Greg Tang Sr.

Author of the Tang Math K-5 curriculum, a program designed to help teachers develop confident, capable thinkers and problem solvers. With decades of experience and a gift for making math make sense, Greg continues to inspire educators and students around the world.

Since 2001, Greg has led more than 4,000 in-person workshops, conferences, and school visits. In just the past four years, he has taught over 2,500 virtual sessions, teaching more than 2 million students through his live lessons.

Greg's books and teaching materials have been licensed by major textbook programs around the world, and his popular children's books include The New York Times best seller The Grapes of Math, the gold medal-winning eBook Math Appeal, and six other children's books from Scholastic.

Dr. Margaret Keane

Maggie Keane, Professor Emerita in the Health Sciences and former Chair of the Psychology Department, taught courses in memory, cognition, and neuropsychology at Wellesley College.

She is the Associate Director of the Memory Disorders Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine and V.A. Boston Healthcare System. Her research has explored interactions between episodic and semantic memory, the role of memory in envisioning the future, and the relationship between long-term memory and working memory.

Maggie received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her A.B. degree in Psychology from Harvard College.

Greg Tang Jr.

Founding Partner of TangMath.com and an expert in education technology. His journey into tech began at Brown University, where in 2014, he co-founded his first startup - a virtual reality company integrating motion-capture technology with training applications.

In 2016, he launched Tang Math LLC, growing it into a global online retailer of math games and digital puzzles. Over the next three years, he built the largest student enrichment and Math Night program in the U.S., hosting over 200 events annually and running summer school programs in eight cities nationwide.

Today, as CEO of Tang Math, Greg continues to push the boundaries of math education, embracing AI and emerging technologies to shape the future of learning.

Tammy Tang

Author of a dozen best-selling technology resource books and creator of math Brain Builders and Tangy Tuesday and Wordy Wednesday puzzles. Tammy has been a keynote and featured speaker at major technology conferences including ISTE, TCEA, NCCE, and NCTies.

Throughout her career, Tammy has worked with K-12 teachers and students, focusing on innovative ways to integrate technology and enhance learning.

Shelly Chandra

Math and Science Curriculum Coordinator for the Lower School at St. John's School in Houston. With experience teaching both Lower and Middle School, Shelly has a deep understanding of how students learn math at different stages.

Passionate about making math engaging, visual, and intuitive, Shelly equips educators and students with the tools they need to develop strong problem-solving skills and confidence in mathematics.

Conference Schedule

Mon, July 20 K-2 Track 3-5 Track
7:00-8:00 Light Breakfast
8:00-9:15 The Gift of Fresh Thinking
9:15-10:30 Number Sense Visual Models
10:30-11:45 Visual Models Base 10 Thinking
11:45-12:15 Working Lunch
12:15-1:30 Fraction Foundations Fluency & Algorithms
1:30-2:45 Fluency & Algorithms Fraction Fundamentals
2:45-3:30 Electives: Technology Tips, Progressions, Coding, Lesson Planning
5:00-6:30 Dinner
Tue, July 21 K-2 Track 3-5 Track
7:30-8:00 Light Breakfast
8:00-9:15 Memory and Math
9:15-10:30 Measurement, Data, Geometry Word Problems
10:30-11:45 Word Problems Measurement, Data, Geometry
11:45-12:15 Working Lunch
12:15-1:30 Reasoning & Enrichment Implementation
1:30-2:45 Implementation Reasoning & Enrichment
2:45-3:30 The Future of Fresh Thinking

Session Descriptions

Keynote: The Gift of Fresh Thinking

Have you ever experienced a mind-changing insight – an “a-ha” moment that seemed to appear out of nowhere? That rush of satisfaction, the smile it brings, the desire to have another?
Insights are more than just realizations; they’re sights from within. They unlock true learning and lasting change. They come from fresh thinking—new, more creative, and more open ways of seeing the world around us.
In our opening session, we’ll take a fast-paced tour through arithmetic, fractions, algebraic equations, and word problems. Will it change how you see math? Will you discover new insights about your teaching? Will it spark fresh thinking about your own abilities and those of your students?
Math – and you – will never be the same!

Keynote: Memory and Math

Can studying amnesic patients who have suffered brain injuries yield important insights into the teaching and learning of mathematics? We will explore what the research says about the many forms of memory, how memories are created, and how memory may be linked to imagination and creativity.
The facts and myths about memory may surprise you, but they will surely spur you to think more deeply about your own teaching and your students' learning.

Base 10 Thinking

When students develop strong number sense, multiplication, division, and fractions become much easier. But what exactly is number sense, and how do we develop it? If we want students to understand our Base 10 number system, are Base 10 blocks enough? Are Base 10 discs necessary or nice-to-have?
In this session, we’ll explore the most effective ways to develop number sense and a true understanding of our Base 10, place-value number system. We’ll use a strategic progression of proportional and non-proportional concrete models, then transition to pictorial number bonds. Join us in laying a foundation for algorithms that’s based on understanding.

Building Number Sense

When students develop strong number sense, arithmetic operations become much easier. But what exactly is number sense? Do some kids naturally have it, while others don’t? And if they don’t, how can we help them build it?
Join us as we explore the most effective ways to develop number sense in the early grades. We’ll use concrete and pictorial models — including snap cubes, ten frames, number bonds, and a game changing digital subitizing tool - to build a deep, lasting understanding of numbers.

Fluency & Algorithms (K-2)

In the primary grades, we focus on building strong number sense, regrouping ones, tens, and hundreds, mastering key strategies like making 10 to add and subtract, and getting comfortable with the language of mathematics.
In this session, join Greg Jr. as he shares practical and proven techniques to help students move beyond concrete and pictorial models – ideal for smaller numbers – and become proficient with abstract symbols and equations – essential for working with larger numbers.

Fluency & Algorithms (3-5)

Looking for a divisive topic in math education? Look no further than algorithms! Some argue they hinder understanding, while others see them as essential for efficiency and problem-solving.
But what if the real issue isn’t whether we teach algorithms, but how we teach them? Could teaching them well actually deepen understanding? Are they the key to procedural fluency?
Join Greg Jr. to explore why algorithms are a crucial final step in the progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract models. When taught effectively, they help students generalize concepts and confidently tackle everything from large whole numbers to tiny fractions and decimals.

Fraction Foundations

Traditional approaches to teaching fractions rely on circles, rectangles, pies, pizzas, cookies, and brownies. They’re everywhere—woven into popular math programs and even state standards. Yet, fractions remain one of the biggest stumbling blocks for students as they progress in math.
What if there’s a better way? What if these familiar models are part of the journey but not the best place to start?
Join us for a fresh, strategic approach to teaching fractions. We’ll introduce a smarter progression of models designed to build true understanding—so fractions no longer hold students back.

Your satis-fraction is guaranteed!

Fraction Fundamentals

Are there a few key concepts and skills students must master to become truly proficient with fractions? Is there a simpler, more effective, and more satisfying way to teach them? And when fractions are taught well, does it make decimals easier to learn and understand?
Join Greg Sr. for a strategic, streamlined, and systematic approach to teaching fractions. We’ll build on whole-number skills, use powerful linear models like number lines and bar models, and most importantly, apply common-sense thinking. Your satis-fraction is guaranteed!

Implementation (K-2)

Coming Soon

Implementation (3-5)

Coming Soon

Measurement, Data, Geometry (K-2)

What’s the key to helping kids when they’re older? Give them a stronger foundation when they’re younger! In this engaging session, Greg Sr. will share creative, age-appropriate ways to introduce key measurement, data, and geometry concepts early – making tricky topics easier down the road.
Using clear visuals and smart strategies, Greg will show how simple ideas – counting paperclips to explore 2D shapes and perimeter, using picture graphs to build number sense, and using snap cubes to calculate length and area – can transform the way students learn.

Measurement, Data, Geometry (3-5)

Can students develop their computation, measurement, and data skills – all at the same time? Can they strengthen their reasoning skills by measuring and solving problems about lines, angles, geometric shapes, and solids?
Join Greg Sr. as he uncovers key concepts and connections from the Measurement & Data and Geometry domains. Through exploration and problem-solving, you’ll discover powerful ways to help students make sense of math – rather than just memorize.
Don’t miss this chance to transform the way you teach measurement, data, and geometry – math that measures up!

Reasoning & Enrichment (K-2)

Are primary students too young to think algebraically? Is it too early for them to solve a system of equations? Is it too much to expect them to use substitution to find the value of an unknown variable?
Join Greg Sr. for an eye-opening session on what young children can do – not just the advanced or gifted kids – but all kids! Discover how well-crafted, thoughtfully-designed problems can build the reasoning and thinking skills every student needs.
Fresh thinking, anyone?

Reasoning & Enrichment (3-5)

Do you spend a lot of time searching for problems that will challenge your high-fliers? Do you spend just as much time looking for meaningful enrichment for your struggling students and those working at grade level?
Join Greg Sr. for an eye-opening conversation about what it truly means to be good at math. We’ll dive into enrichment, rigor, differentiation, reasoning, computation, speed, memorization, mistakes, and depth of knowledge. We’ll try to dispel misconceptions and uncover what really matters.
Together, we’ll tackle challenging problems that can enrich every student and explore simple yet powerful ways to make any problem more engaging, accessible, and rewarding.

Math – and the way you teach it – may never be the same!

Visual Models (K-2)

How do concrete and pictorial models help students master addition and subtraction? Can they also build the foundation for multiplication and division? Could a strong grasp of additive thinking be the key to developing multiplicative reasoning in later grades?
Join Greg Jr. for a step-by-step journey through concrete models, strategies, and skills—beginning with single-digit operations in the early grades and progressing to multi-digit parts and totals as students advance. Walk away with practical, classroom-ready tools to strengthen fluency and deepen student understanding.

Visual Models (3-5)

How can concrete and pictorial models help students master multiplication and division facts? Can they also lay the foundation for fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals? Are they the key to truly understanding the distributive property?
Join Greg Jr. for a step-by-step progression of models, strategies, and skills—starting with single-digit operations and building up to multi-digit factors, products, and quotients. This session will give you practical, classroom-ready tools to strengthen students’ fluency and deepen their mathematical understanding.

Word Problems (K-2)

In this session, we’ll explore start, change, and result unknown word problems – including add-to, put-together, take-from, and take-apart scenarios. We will begin with single-step problems and gradually build up to two-step problems.
Is there a consistent way to model all nine problem types so students stop guessing and start reasoning? Can we help them truly understand keywords instead of relying on rules that don’t always work – like “in all” means “add” and “some” means it’s a part, not the total?
Take a deep dive into word problems with Greg Jr. and transform the way you teach word problems – forever!

Word Problems (3-5)

In this session, we’ll dive into multiplicative comparison word problems, tackling unknown scale factors, larger numbers, and smaller numbers with a clear, strategic approach. We'll start with single-step problems and build up to multistep problems, ensuring a solid understanding at every stage.
By using visual models, students can make sense of word problems and see for themselves why keywords and shortcuts do not always work. Join Greg Jr. as he shares a systematic approach to modeling comparison word problems that’s truly beyond compare!

Elective: Coding

We hear the term “computer coding” all the time, but what does it really mean? Join Greg Jr. for an engaging introduction to the world of technology and programming!
In this session, you'll explore fundamental coding concepts through fun, hands-on activities—simple enough to use with your own students.
Whether you're looking to build a strong foundation for the future or just curious about how it all works, this is the perfect place to start. No experience necessary!

Elective: Lesson Planning

Great math teaching isn’t just about covering content – it’s about crafting lessons that help students truly understand math. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for designing structured, engaging lessons that build conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.Learn how to launch a lesson effectively, incorporate rich problem-solving tasks, and facilitate meaningful discussions that deepen student learning. Walk away with clear, actionable ideas to make your math instruction more intentional and impactful!

Elective: Progressions

Coming soon

Elective: Technology Tips

Can new technologies make teaching easier—and life a little better? This session highlights effective ways to use online tools, time-saving shortcuts, and approachable AI resources to support your work in the classroom and at home.

Accommodations

  • 🌱 Venue

    Our Fresh Thinking Conference will be held at Manhattanville University’s Reid Castle in Purchase, NY. Event rooms include the West Room, O'Byrne Chapel, Ophir Dining Room & Annex, East Library, and President's Dining Room.

    Reid Castle
    Manhattanville University
    2900 Purchase Street
    Purchase, NY 10577

  • 🌱 Meals & Beverages

    To help you stay fueled and focused, our foundation will provide a light breakfast from 7:30–8:00 and lunch from 11:50–12:30. We'll keep you hydrated with complimentary beverages throughout the day.

    Providing food and drinks means we can extend our sessions, maximize learning time, and save you money. It also provides us an opportunity to make new friends, build relationships, and strengthen our growing community. Now that’s fresh thinking!

  • 🌱 Hotel

    We have secured a special block of 25 rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott in neighboring Rye, NY. Click the link below to get a discounted rate of $229 per night, plus tax. Parking is an additional $10 per day.

    Click here to book the Courtyard Marriott Rye at our conference rate.

    Another option nearby is the Days Inn in Elmsford, NY. Rates start at about $120 per night, plus tax.

Getting to Manhattanville University

2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577

  • 🌱 From New York City (Manhattan)

    ~ 25–30 miles

    • Train + bus: Metro-North from Grand Central to White Plains, then Bee-Line Route 12 bus to campus: 2–2.5 hours total.

    • Train + taxi/rideshare: Metro-North from Grand Central to White Plains or Harrison, then taxi/rideshare to campus: 55–70 minutes total.

    • Driving / rideshare: 40–60 minutes

  • 🌱 From Westchester County Airport (HPN)

    ~ 5 miles

    • Taxi / rideshare: 10–15 min
    • Rental car: 10–15 min

    • Local bus (Bee-Line Route 12): 15–25 min

    🌱 From LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

    ~ 26 miles

    • Taxi / rideshare: 30–40 min
    • Rental Car: 30–40 min

    🌱 From John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)

    ~ 32 miles
    • Taxi / rideshare: 40–50 min
    • Rental Car: 40–50 min

    🌱 From The Courtyard by Marriott Rye
    ~ 3.5 miles
    • Taxi / rideshare / driving: 10–15 min

1 of 2

Local Food & Things to Do

  • Purchase Food Market

    Local deli, all-day breakfast with specialty and classic sandwiches, wraps, salads

  • Bellefair Kitchen

    American, Italian-inspired, specialty sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, pizza

  • Silver Lake Murayama

    Fresh sushi, sashimi, rolls and other traditional & modern Japanese dishes

  • Aquario Restaurant

    Mediterranean, Portuguese, and Brazilian classics, featuring seafood and steak

  • Layla's Falafel

    Family-owned Mediterranean & Middle Eastern food with Lebanese-inspired cuisine

  • Via Garibaldi

    Authentic Italian, wood-fired pizza, hand-crafted pasta and fresh seafood & meats

  • Red Horse Steakhouse

    Modern American steak with Asian influences, by chef David Burke

  • Sergio's Saw Pit

    Upscale modern Italian fare with generous portions with classic and creative dishes

  • The Cube Inn

    Cuban-inspired cuisine & friendly service in a nice atmosphere

  • Pik Nik

    Mouthwatering BBQ! Home to the BEST smoked meats in all of Westchester

  • Ganso

    A culinary haven where traditional Japanese flavors meet modern flair

  • Basque Tapas

    A variety of regional Tapas flavors from Spain, as well as its signature Paellas

1 of 12
  • Kendall Gardens

    Renowned outdoor sculpture collection & landscaped park at PepsiCo headquarters

  • Neuberger Museum

    Modern, contemporary and African art museum located at Purchase College

  • Muscoot Farm

    Charming, family-oriented interpretive farm and county park with farm animals

  • ArtsWestchester

    Leading and largest private, nonprofit arts council and advocacy organization

  • Lyndhurst Mansion

    One of America's most iconic Gothic Revival historic mansions and estates

  • Boundless Adventures

    Aerial adventure park featuring ziplines, high ropes courses and obstacles

  • White Plains Shopping

    Shopping hub Westchester County, offering a mix of upscale malls and outlets

  • New York City

    The one-and-only, global iconic capital of culture, energy, finance and dreams

1 of 8

2025 Conference Feedback

  • "I can honestly say this was the best conference I have ever attended. On any topic! It was non-stop information, challenges, support and encouragement. We weren’t expected to “know” the math. We were expected to try, talk, think, construct connections, and do math. I taught first grade for 25 years and am now working with math teachers at various levels. I attended the 3-5 series and much of it was a challenge. But I never felt threatened because I didn’t already know how to do something."

  • "This conference understands a teacher's time is precious. It cuts out anything not directly related to making you a better teacher. It has inspiring presenters who make you excited to get back in the classroom and revolutionize the way we teach."

    -

    "You will get great information and teaching methods that work. You will have your mind opened to ways of thinking you have not thought of before, but make sense!"

  • "Everything you wanted to know about methods and implementation of math education put on by the best in math. Overwhelming in a very good way."

    "It's a math conference with extremely knowledgeable presenters that provide you with a lot of examples and resources that will truly get you to start thinking about & teaching math in a more student friendly and centered manner. I learned so much! Thank you for an amazing experience."

  • 2025 SURVEY RESULTS (out of 5)

    Overall Satisfaction: 4.92 (98%)

    Organization & Logistics: 4.94 (98%)

    Recommend to Colleagues: 4.96 (99%)

    Greg Sr Value: 4.98 (99%)

    Greg Sr Engagement: 4.92 (98%)

    Greg Jr Value: 4.96 (99%)

    Greg Jr Engagement: 4.94 (98%)

    Tammy Value: 4.92 (98%)

    Tammy Engagement: 4.85 (97%)

1 of 4

Join Our 2026 Conference

Space is limited and hotel rooms will fill fast. See you in July!