
MathematicAL ASSOCIATION OF NSW
Teacher Professional Learning Program
13-18 APRIL 2025 I 6 Days I San Francisco, CA, USA
Tour Code: PL-MANSW-USA
San Francisco
April 13 - 18, 2025
( 6-Day PL Program - During the School Term Break )
Immerse in a series of interactive workshops led by the top mathematics educators, experts and authors that USA has to offer. Delve into cutting-edge research and innovative strategies including review meetings with the Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW) Tour Expert to reflect on your insights after each session.
Enjoy some professional networking with fellow participants, a whole day group sightseeing tour and leisure time to explore the US West Coast and beyond.
World-Class Lectures + Workshops
16 pl HOURS
This program offers the opportunity to broaden and refresh maths subject knowledge and teaching practice, learn about current maths education research, and bring innovative ideas and resources back to the classroom.
The program provides 16 hours of professional learning, aligned with Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient Level
Libertas Travel is proudly a key sponsor of
Only AUD$6,990pp* land only
Twin-Share Accommodation
Single Supplement (Individual Room) Available at Own Cost AUD $1,010pp
*Self-education expenses directly related to employment may be tax deductible
Seek advice from your tax agent or the ATO.
This will add you to the mailing list for updates on this tour offering - Zero upfront commitment

Program InclUSIONS
Dr. Robert Kaplinsky
Education Consultant Instructor, UCLA
Dr. Robert Kaplinsky is a distinguished expert in mathematics professional learning. As a co-founder of Open Middle, he has developed a platform for challenging maths problems designed to deepen student thinking and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Kaplinsky is also the author of Open Middle Math: Problems That Unlock Student Thinking, which provides educators with innovative strategies for engaging students. He created #ObserveMe, an online initiative that fosters a supportive environment for teacher peer observation and professional growth.
Additionally, Dr. Kaplinsky co-founded the Southern California Maths Teacher Specialist Network, a collaborative group of over 200 maths teacher specialists from multiple counties, aimed at enhancing the quality of mathematics education through shared expertise and resources.
Estelle Woodbury
Professional Learning Specialist at youcubed, Stanford Graduate School of Education
Estelle Woodbury is a recognised educator and expert in mathematics education. She is the co-author of Mathematics for Equity: A Framework for Successful Practice, a book that explores equitable teaching practices in mathematics education. Estelle has extensive experience in the field, having taught high school maths for over a decade. In addition to her teaching experience, she has contributed to educational development by co-teaching curriculum sessions for the Stanford Teacher Education Program.
She has also played a significant role in supporting educational reforms, particularly in the Oakland Unified School District, where she worked as the middle school maths coordinator. In this role, she assisted the district in transitioning to the Common Core State Standards, ensuring that the curriculum and teaching methods aligned with these new educational standards.
At youcubed, a centre dedicated to transforming mathematics education, Estelle facilitates teacher workshops and develops content, helping educators implement research-based practices in their classrooms. Her work at youcubed reflects her commitment to improving maths education and making it accessible and equitable for all students.
Prof. Jo Boaler
Chair, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University. Co-founder of youcubed
Jo Boaler is a leading authority in mathematics education. Her groundbreaking research, exemplified in her book Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics, explores how diverse teaching approaches impact student learning and the development of a ‘growth mindset’ in mathematics.
Boaler is a vocal advocate for equity in the classroom, focusing on how teachers can create more inclusive and effective learning environments. Her work also highlights the importance of integrating data science into mathematics education to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.
Through youcubed, Boaler provides resources and professional development to support educators in fostering a positive mathematical mindset and innovative teaching methods. Her influence extends to numerous publications and media appearances including a TED Talk.
Liesl McConchie
M.Ed., Professional Learning Specialist, Author
Specialising in brain-compatible learning, Liesl is globally recognised education consultant with over 20 years of experience training educators in evidence-based practices.
She empowers teachers to align their methods with how learning naturally occurs in the brain, meet the needs of diverse learners, and incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) to enhance student achievement.
Liesl has collaborated on multi-year educational projects with renowned organisations like NASA, LEGO, and within the Scandinavian school system. Her contributions include helping to establish a new school based on state-of-the-art pedagogical principles, that has garnered attention from both educational and political leaders.
Liesl McConchie is the author of the e-book ALL Students Can Learn Math and co-author of the best-selling Brain-Based Learning. She is currently collaborating with Dr. Eric Jensen on the third edition of Teaching With The Brain In Mind. In addition, Liesl has published ASCD professional learning resources, appeared on multiple podcasts, and been featured in a television news segments.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday April 13
The program commences in the hotel lobby at 5pm local time. Meet the Libertas Travel Tour Manager / MANSW Tour Expert and fellow teachers for a welcome drink and group dinner.
Day 2 - Monday April 14
Dr Robert Kaplinsky is this morning’s presenter.
Following lunch, a one-hour session with the Tour Expert to reflect on learnings from the session. Then spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3- Tuesday April 15
Ms Estelle Woodbury is this morning’s presenter.
Following lunch, a one-hour session with the Tour Expert to reflect on learnings from the session. Then spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 4- Wednesday April 16
Board a coach in the morning to Silicon Valley for a guided tour of the Stanford University campus and a visit to the Intel Museum. In the afternoon enjoy an Alcatraz tour and cruise. Then spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 5- Thursday April 17
Spend the morning at your leisure.
Professor Jo Boaler is this afternoon’s presenter from 2pm. Then a one-hour session with the Tour Expert to reflect on learnings from the session. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6- Friday April 18
Liesl McConchie is this morning’s presenter.
Following lunch, a one-hour session with the Tour Expert to reflect on learnings from the sessions. Then spend the rest of the day at your leisure, and attend a group dinner in the evening.
Day 7 - Saturday April 19
Join in a breakfast to recap your learnings before the program schedule comes to an end at 10am.
*Program subject to change
Inclusions:
Comprehensive tour packs and pre-departure information
Accommodation x 6 nights, twin-share in a 3-star hotel in downtown San Francisco Bay Area (single supplement available at own cost)
Meals
6 x breakfasts
4 x lunches
2 x group dinnersAll workshops & speaker provided resource materials
Group sightseeing activities
Tipping for included services
MANSW Tour Expert
Services of a Libertas Travel Tour Manager
Not Included:
Return international airfares Sydney / San Francisco / Sydney
Domestic flights
4 x dinners
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Passport and ESTA visa costs
Personal spending
FAQ’s
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Age: Participants must be over 18 years of age to participate in the program
Travel documentation:
Participants must ensure that they:
Have a valid passport with six months’ validity from their return date to Australia
Obtain an ESTA visa for travel to the USA, plus any additional visas required for holders of non-Australian passports
Obtain their own travel insurance
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This program includes 16 hours of professional learning, aligned with the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient Level:
2.1.2 Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities
6.2.2 Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice targeted to professional needs and school and/or system prioirities
6.3.2 Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleages to improve professional knowledge and practice
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Register Interest to join the mailing list for updates on this tour. Once the tour reaches its minimum interest requirement of 30 attending teachers, you will receive a copy of the booking form and tour payment schedule. A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 will then be payable to confirm your place.
The final balance of the tour price is due 120 days prior to departure.
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You certainly can! Anyone can travel on our PL tours, however, non-teachers should be aware the content will be targeted to the relevant syllabus and based on a certain level of prior knowledge. Should any participant choose not to attend one of the planned activities, there would be no refund for an unused portion of the tour.
Please note - Participants must be over 18 years of age to attend the tour, and attendees who are not teachers in Australia may not be able to acquire PL hours or tax deductions.
Further Information
For further information please contact MANSW
Name: Darius Samojlowicz
Email: execofficer@mansw.nsw.edu.au