Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford

#MathEsteem is more than just a hashtag—it’s a movement. It’s about making math rewarding, memorable, relatable, and real. Join Presidential Award-winning mathematician and Comic-Con enthusiast Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford as she takes you on a journey through her two-decade career inspiring mathematicians of every age. Math anxiety can have a profound and lasting impact, stemming from the belief that one is not “good at math.” This keynote explores how to shift those perceptions by fostering math esteem, building curiosity, and inspiring a genuine love for problem-solving.

This interactive workshop expands on Camille’s signature Math Esteem philosophy, offering practical tools to reshape how students and teachers see themselves as math learners. Participants will explore lesson structures, culturally relevant routines, and classroom visuals that promote identity, belonging, and intellectual risk-taking. Expect hands-on tasks, real classroom examples, and resources for immediate use. Perfect for teachers seeking to reduce math anxiety and increase engagement.

Ideal for: Grades 3–9 educators, instructional coaches, and interventionists
Format: 90-minute, half-day, or full-day session
 

In this high-energy, design-focused workshop, Camille guides educators through the process of remixing academic content with pop culture and performance-based learning. From student-created math videos to transformation dance shows based on math standards, participants will learn how to integrate social media, storytelling, and trends without losing academic rigor. You’ll leave with templates, planning frameworks, and the confidence to turn your classroom into a culturally relevant stage for excellence.

Ideal for: K–12 educators across content areas
Format: 2-hour or half-day experience
 

Get ready to level up your tech integration! This workshop gives teachers hands-on experience with tools like Prisms VR, MathWorld, IXL, and other gamified resources Camille uses in her own classroom. Participants will explore how immersive tech builds conceptual understanding, increases motivation, and supports students who need multiple entry points into math. This session also includes focused discussion on digital access, representation in STEM, and designing for inclusion.

Ideal for: Math educators, tech coaches, and STEM coordinators
Format: Half-day session with tech integration options
 

This immersive training blends two of Camille’s greatest passions: emotional intelligence and emerging technology. Participants will explore how tech tools, when used intentionally, can support social-emotional learning goals. From collaboration and empathy-building to mistake-making and reflection, this session helps educators move beyond novelty and into meaningful tech use that aligns with human-centered teaching.

Ideal for: STEM teachers, school counselors, innovation leads
Format: Half-day session with breakout activities
 

This reflective yet strategy-packed workshop is designed for veteran educators, leaders, and teams looking to scale excellence. Drawing on lessons from her National Teachers Hall of Fame journey, Camille leads participants through an exploration of mindset, consistency, mentorship, and creative leadership. Attendees will leave with a framework for developing classroom culture, teacher legacy, and systems of support that last.

Ideal for: Teacher-leaders, school leadership teams, new teacher mentors
Format: 60-90 minute or full-day workshop
 

This workshop centers culturally responsive pedagogy as the foundation of strong, sustainable instruction. Camille walks participants through classroom structures, anchor routines, and language practices that affirm student identities, especially for Black and Brown learners often marginalized in math spaces. Attendees will learn how to connect content to culture, build relationships through routine, and shift mindset from “behavior management” to belonging and brilliance.

Ideal for: Middle school teachers, Math teams, school leaders
Format: 2–3 hour workshop or full-day PD