Growing up, from the time I was about 8 years old, I struggled with math.  I struggled both in understanding math and maintaining a positive attitude about learning mathematics.  I was very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing math teachers as a student and amazing math leaders as a classroom teacher.  Because of these experiences, my main goal as an educator has always been to make a positive impact on the students and teachers around me and to change the mindset so many of us either had or currently have about mathematics. 

I am currently in my 20th year of teaching, spending 11 years teaching 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade in the Danville and Dardanelle School Districts, 3 years as a k-12 Instructional Facilitator, and the last 6 as a state math specialist with the Guy Fenter Educational Service Cooperative and the Arch Ford Educational Service Cooperative.  I am also a state and national Cognitively Guided Instruction facilitator which has allowed me to work with teachers not only across the state, but the country as well.  This has given me perspective on the diverse needs of teachers and students and also to showcase the amazing progress we are making in math education here in Arkansas.  

When I am not working with students and math teachers, I love traveling, reading post-apocalyptic fiction, going to concerts and plays, learning about the enneagram, and cuddling with my dogs.

Judy Dunmire is starting her 2nd year as District Mathematics Specialist with Camden Fairview Schools and is ACTM President-Elect. She has served in education for 18 years. She taught grades 8-12 for 9 years at Charleston Schools, followed by 9 years as mathematics specialist at Coops and STEM Centers and as the Lead High School Mathematics Specialist for ADE. She is a 6-12 IM-Certified Trainer and served on the AR Math QuEST development team and the Arkansas Academic Playbook Guiding Coalition.

Judy is National Board Certified, earned a BS degree (Secondary Mathematics Education) from Arkansas Tech University, M.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Arkansas, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Harding University. 

When Judy is not working, she enjoys traveling and exploring foods from various cultures with her daughter, an OB/GYN resident at Kansas City Medical Center, as well as Zooming with friends across the state. She has a passion for learning and mathematics education and often spends her “spare time” on committees or reading mathematics education books and articles. 

Lisa Short has been in education for 18 years. She taught 3rd grade for 8 years and 4th grade for a year, before moving to 7th grade math for 7 years. She then began working for UACCM as their first ever Career Coach serving the Nemo Vista and Wonderview School Districts for 2 years. She is now the Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator for UACCM.

Being a math educator is personally rewarding to me. I struggled with math from an early age and understand the need and importance of high quality instructional practice. I focus on being a teacher that knows her practice and her students. My strength is knowing the power of an “I can” mindset and nurturing that in my classroom. I am always looking to improve myself and feel that AAML will help me grow in a leadership capacity. I am looking forward to serving with you all.   

I have been teaching a total of 16 years in grade levels K-2. I currently serve as a first grade teacher at Sequoyah Elementary school. I am passionate about guiding students mathematically and extending their understanding through CGI problem solving, questioning, and discussion. I look forward to learning from my fellow colleagues on this board and be able to share my classroom experiences.

After 18 years in a high school classroom, I began as Math Director at Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math & Science in 2024. I miss working directly with students, but love helping teachers with strategies, resources, content, and professional development.