Building Thinking Classrooms Conference 2026

Danielle Legnard is a Professor at Sacred Heart University’s Isabelle Farrington College of Education and a K–2 Curriculum Integration Specialist in Bethel, Connecticut. With more than 25 years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, math and reading specialist, district math coordinator, and elementary school principal. She holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, a sixth-year degree in Educational Leadership, and administrator certification from Sacred Heart University.Danielle is deeply committed to developing strong mathematical identities in both students and teachers. Her work centers on cultivating problem-solving classrooms that prioritize metacognition, student agency, flexibility, grit, and belief. She has contributed to mathematics education at both local and national levels through committee leadership, professional learning design, conference presentations, and co-authored publications focused on strengthening instruction and supporting young learners.For the past four years, Danielle has led the implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms across her district, facilitating book studies, professional learning communities, and district-wide initiatives grounded in Peter Liljedahl’s framework. She has also developed an integrated system that weaves together problem solving, the district’s Vision of a Learner competencies, and Building Thinking Classrooms practices—reshaping how teachers and students experience mathematics in Bethel.Danielle is passionate about sharing practical strategies, leadership insights, and lessons learned, and she welcomes collaboration with educators dedicated to empowering students through rich problem solving and purposeful classroom design.Outside of her professional work, Danielle enjoys golfing, launching rockets, and spending time with her family.