DEBATERS

Paul Alves, OAME

Ann Arden, OCDSB

Roger Logan, HWDSB

Nick Nielsen, TDSB

Bios

Paul Alves is entering his second century teaching mathematics at the secondary level in Ontario, Canada. Currently, he is department head of math and computer studies at North Park Secondary School in the Peel District School Board. Paul recently completed a two-year term as a central resource teacher with the board and is happy to be back in the classroom. Paul is currently the Emeritus Executive member for Ontario Association for Mathematics Education (OAME), an organization that he has also been humbled to lead on two separate occasions. Paul is a frequent speaker at the OAME provincial conference, the CEMC (The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing) summer conference, T3 (Teachers Teaching with Technology) International Conference. Paul is a member of the steering committee of the Fields Institute Math Ed forum. Paul is also a national instructor with Texas Instruments. Paul is working to complete his master’s in education with a focus on the social-cultural context of education.

Ann Arden is currently a vice principal in the Ottawa-Carleton DSB. She was a high school math teacher for 17 years and an instructional coach for 3 years. Ann has been an instructor in the B.Ed program at the University of Ottawa where she also obtained an MA degree in mathematics education. Ann has been a researcher in projects at both the University of Ottawa and Queen's University, and has published several articles, chapters and columns.

Roger Logan has spent the past 40 years teaching high school mathematics. He is a passionate educator who believes that all students can excel in the mathematics classroom and challenges his students to re-evaluate their preexisting beliefs around their abilities, potential and mathematical experiences. Roger has had the opportunity to teach all grades and levels of mathematics through various high school curricula, including AP Calculus, as well as teaching Introductory Business Math at Mohawk College. Roger earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Mathematics at York University. He is an Honours Specialist in Math Education and has served as Department Head at various schools in Toronto and Hamilton over the years. He is an avid Liverpool F.C. supporter and David Bowie fan.

Nick Nielsen has 30 years of experience that includes teaching grades 9 to 12 Math and Science within the Toronto District School Board and co-authoring mathematics textbooks. He retired from the TDSB in June 2024 as the ACL of the Science Department at West Hill Collegiate and the Chair of the school’s Numeracy PLC.