Dustin Purdy Blog

When I began my first year as an Amplify Desmos Math High School Professional Learning Specialist , I knew the experience would challenge me to grow as a facilitator and mathematics educator. What I did not fully anticipate was how much learning would happen before I my launch first session with teachers. This post has been a bit delayed, but I am excited to share my experience from year one as an Amplify PLS. Looking back, one of my biggest takeaways is that becoming an effective Professional Learning Specialist is not simply about knowing the curriculum or being comfortable presenting. It is about understanding the mathematics deeply, experiencing the curriculum as a learner, building relationships, engaging in intellectual prep , listening carefully, practicing, receiving feedback, and continually refining your craft. Although I ultimately delivered only one professional learning session during my first year, at the end of August , I grew tremendously throughout the experience. That...

Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from learning alongside passionate educators who challenge me to think differently, grow professionally, and ultimately become a better leader and teacher for my students. That’s why I am incredibly excited and honored to share that I have been selected as a member of the 2026 Texas Instruments (T³) Teacher Leader Cadre. This opportunity is more than a professional milestone—it’s an opportunity to join a community of educators who believe mathematics should be engaging, accessible, and empowering for every student. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating classrooms where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, take risks, and discover the beauty of mathematics. Technology has always been an important part of that vision—not as a replacement for thinking, but as a catalyst for deeper understanding, curiosity, and meaningful problem solving. As a member of the 2026 T³ Teacher Leader Cadre, I’ll have t...

Hello friends! I am writing to give you a few exciting updates about ISTELive24 which is taking place in Denver, CO this year from June 23-26th, 2024. Registration is now open! I will presenting two interactive sessions that you will not want to miss! Details on these sessions are below, as well as some pre-conference resources you will want to check out if you are attending. If you are an EdTech guru, or someone just looking to amp up their EdTech skills and incorporate technology into your classroom in meaningful ways, then join me in Denver for the EdTech event of the year! ISTELive 24 Page I will be posting all of my conference updates on my blog as well as resources for each of my sessions. If you are attending ISTELive this year, I would greatly appreciate your help in completing the interest survey below to let me know if you would consider attending my sessions. This is very helpful to assist me in my planning. Additionally, I have some pre-conference resources that you will wa...

I am very excited to announce that I will be presenting at ISTELive 24 in Denver, Colorado this year. Not one, but two of my proposals were accepted. I am beyond excited to represent my school, Dwight Global Online. I will be leading an interactive math session with my mathematics colleague and friend, Laura Thul. I will also be assisting an interactive session on problem-based learning with colleagues Felica Chen and Katy Moye. Stay tuned for more information about my sessions. The conference will be held at the Colorado Convention Center from June 23rd-26th, 2024. If you will be in Colorado, you will not want to miss this event! See you soon Denver.