Polk County educators dive into math challenges at summer camp

Published 2:28 pm Monday, July 21, 2025

Five Polk County teachers traded their traditional classrooms earlier this month for a three-day mathematics immersion experience at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.

The educators — Francesca Womick, Amy Emery, Caitlin Williams, Kristen Korzelius and Andrea Walter — participated in the “Peace, Love, Math” camp from July 8-10, representing elementary, middle and high school staff from Polk County Schools.

The camp featured unconventional mathematical challenges designed to stretch participants’ problem-solving abilities. Activities included Taxicab Math, which computes distances using only horizontal and vertical movements; Pancake Math, focusing on stacking and unstacking combinations; and Greek Fractions, which explores division using only unit fractions.

Teachers also examined Persimmon Pattern Expansions to understand relationships between perimeter and area. The program incorporated Japanese culture and art, including the mathematical principles behind tatami mat placement and sashiko stitching techniques.

Evening programming included a Math Festival, escape room scenarios, campfire activities and mathematical board games.

The group has formed a Math Circle, affiliated with Mathcircles.org, with plans to bring similar activities to Polk County students. The teachers aim to continue exploring mathematical concepts through ongoing collaboration.

The newly formed group has scheduled a teachers-only bowling and pickleball outing and welcomes additional educators to join their activities.

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, located in Cullowee, provides professional development opportunities for educators throughout the state.