PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A Message from CMC President,
Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino, Ed.D., NBCT
August 2025

As August warms us, I feel a deep sense of purpose and pride in our work as California Mathematics Council (CMC) members. Our shared commitment to high-quality, equitable mathematics education is more vital—and more inspiring—than ever.

Last month, several CMC leaders and I attended the NCSM Affiliates Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado. The experience was invigorating and transformative. We returned with renewed urgency, deeper connection, and a bold vision for the road ahead.

Our conversations centered on three themes: growing membership, elevating engagement, and strengthening collaboration across states. These are not just goals—they are the strategic pillars guiding CMC as we build a thriving professional community that leads, supports, and advocates for every mathematics learner in California. As President, I challenge the status quo—and invite you to join me.

A Bold Vision for Mathematics Education: Daring to Lead Forward

Daring to Disrupt: A Courageous Approach to Mathematics Education

Education is evolving, and mathematics must, too. We must reimagine mathematics teaching and learning by dismantling outdated systems, elevating excluded voices, and creating environments where all students and educators thrive.
Being bold means embracing culturally responsive teaching, rejecting one-size-fits-all instruction, and championing rich tasks that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and productive struggle. Every student—regardless of zip code, identity, or circumstance—should feel seen, heard, and capable in mathematics.

We must ask ourselves:

How do we inspire joy and curiosity in mathematics?
How do we ensure math connects to students’ lives, cultures, and futures?
How do we create classrooms where students are not only learning math, but using it to understand and shape the world?

These questions challenge us to rethink engagement—not only among our CMC members, but, most importantly, in our classrooms, where real transformation begins.

From Reflection to Action: Strengthening the CMC Community

Our time in Denver brought clarity: the time for action is now. As we reflect on our collective impact and imagine the future, let’s commit to these steps:

🔹 Maximize Membership

Invite someone new to CMC. Whether a new teacher or a veteran, share the value of CMC. Each new member strengthens our voice and expands our collective power.

🔹 Elevate Engagement

Get involved—attend conferences, join a committee, write for our publications, or participate in online discussions. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Together, we strengthen this organization.

🔹 Deepen Collaboration

Let’s not limit ourselves by geography. Partner with educators across counties and states. Learn from their experiences and share your own. The interstate collaboration we witnessed at NCSM is just the beginning—we are building bridges to new possibilities.

🔹 Lead with Courage

Every role is a leadership role. Mentor a colleague, advocate for equitable curricula, speak up at school board meetings. The future of mathematics education is shaped by those who dare to lead.

This Is Our Moment

The challenges in education are real—but so is our power. As passionate educators, we have everything we need to transform mathematics learning in California. Let’s move beyond tradition to innovation. Let’s help students shift from compliance to empowerment. Let’s make mathematics a space of joy, justice, and relevance for every learner.

Let our actions launch us forward—bold steps that declare our unwavering commitment to leading change.

With immense gratitude and unwavering hope,

Dr. Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino,NBCT

President, California Mathematics Council