Madison "Mimi" Dissmore teaches sixth grade math at Lincoln Middle School in Pullman, Washington. As a math educator, her mission is to help students rewrite their math narratives. She removes barriers and provides support for all students to access rigorous mathematics, and partners with students to build their confidence as mathematicians and human beings. The structure of her classroom allows for students to make mistakes and grow as individuals. Mimi is also engaged in improving building and district level equity. She has served in several leadership positions, notably for the District and Building Guiding Coalitions for Professional Learning Communities, Mentoring Leadership Team, Math Fellows, Math Leadership Team, and Curriculum Advisory Council. She leads her building's math collaborative team and sixth grade team. Throughout her time in these leadership roles, she has helped transform district structures regarding tracking and grading practices. When she isn't teaching, Mimi advises various student organizations, including the Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Magic: the Gathering, Chess, and Girls' Bowling. She believes students need a strong sense of belonging and a space where they can be themselves in order to be successful, and she fosters that community inside her classroom as well as in the clubs she advises. She empowers students to advocate for positive school change, including creating opportunities for students to discuss issues with their principal and writing letters to the board. Beyond her classroom, Mimi believes in the importance of mentoring educators to provide high-quality, equitable instruction district-wide. She has served as a BEST mentor, and many of her mentees now hold teacher leadership positions within their building. She instructs pre-service teacher courses at Washington State University and hosts practicum students. Mimi supports the growth of her colleagues by providing professional learning centered on building relationships and classroom community, supporting queer students, and other topics.
