Math Modeling Workshop 2026
Cal Poly’s Center for Engineering, Science, and Mathematics Education (CESAME)is pleased to offer a three-day summer professional development workshops for Algebra II and pre-calculus middle school and high school math teachers.
Enhance your algebra II or pre-calculus class with real-world physics, biology, and chemistry problems that seamlessly integrate into your curriculum. These problems align with content standards and encourage students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Dates & Workshops Offered
June 24, 25, and 26
9am - 4pm
Location
Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CA
Cost
Registration - $150
Includes:
• Modeling instructional materials
• Daily lunch
• Parking
Optional Housing
We have partnered with La Quinta Inn & Suites to offer a special workshop rate of $215 per night (except July 3, which will be $290). This does not include 13.7% tax and $15/day parking fee). The hotel is within walking distance of Cal Poly and downtown San Luis Obispo and includes complimentary breakfast and wi-fi.
Rooms must be booked by May 21.
Reservations can be made using the link below or by calling (###) ###-####.
Participants are also welcome to arrange their own accommodations.
Hotel Registration Link (coming soon)
If you are interested in sharing a room with another participant to reduce costs, please indicate this on the registration application or email cesame@calpoly.edu.
Continuing Education Units
CEUs are available through Cal Poly for an additional fee.
Registration
General Registration
[Registration Link]
Noyce Scholar Registration
[Registration Link]
Special Groups & Registration Support
Selected Noyce Scholars/Alumni receive:
• Paid registration (use the Noyce Scholar Registration link above)
• Complimentary shared room
• $100 stipend
Cal Poly–Affiliated Teachers
(San Luis Obispo County and surrounding local areas) receive:
• Paid registration
• $100 Stipend
Cal Poly Credential Candidates
(incoming and outgoing) receive:
• Paid registration
• $300 Stipend
Workshop Description – Summer 2026
Math Modeling
Participants learn strategies for exploring contextual problems and model-making. Lesson plans, materials, and assessments are provided for each problem. Examples include ball motion, water flow, pooled testing, and temperature models.
Instructor: Maria Hernandez
Maria, a high school mathematics teacher with over 35 years of experience, primarily at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, has led teacher collaborations and taught teacher workshops from Algebra I to AP Calculus and Complex Systems. She engages students through mathematical modeling, discovery-based activities, technology, and real-world problems. Maria has received the 2009 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and the 2013 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Instructor: Cheryl Beierschmitt
Cheryl has worked in education for over 20 years, supporting students and teachers from kindergarten through college. She spent 17 years at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, serving as an Instructor of Mathematics and later as Durham Chair of Mathematics. Cheryl is passionate about mathematical modeling as a way to foster creativity, collaboration, and meaningful mathematical discourse. She is a recipient of the 2022 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching and was a 2019 State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
cesame@calpoly.edu