President's Message

Across California, our mathematics community shares an important responsibility: creating opportunities for every student to experience mathematics as something they can explore, make sense of, contribute to, and see themselves in. At the heart of those experiences is something we often talk about, but that can take many different forms: engagement. When we think about engagement, we might picture students talking, collaborating, or eagerly participating in a lesson. These ca

As I reflect on classrooms across California, I am continually struck by the brilliance students bring to mathematics when they are given the space to think, explore, and create. In this issue of our journal, we center on two deeply connected ideas: developing number sense and unleashing students’ mathematical creativity. These are not separate goals; they are intertwined, each strengthening the other. We often hear the terms number sense, number fluency, and number flexibili

As we enter the final months of the school year, many educators feel the familiar pressure to “cover” the remaining standards before the year comes to a close. Pacing guides, assessments, and end-of-year responsibilities can create a sense of urgency that pushes us to move quickly from topic to topic. Yet spring also offers an important opportunity to pause and ask a deeper question: What really matters for students in mathematics? The California Mathematics Framework reminds

I am honored to introduce myself as your new CMC State President. This is not a role I ever imagined myself having, yet here I am, filled with deep gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have brought me to this moment. I am continually inspired by the incredible educators, students, families, friends, and the broader mathematics community that surround me. I look forward to leading this organization and giving mathematics a strong and meaningful voice in every s

A Letter of Gratitude: Holding Space, Imagining Future Dear CMC Community, As I offer my final message as State President, I do so with a full heart—one shaped by gratitude, transformation, and the belief that communities like ours are capable of creating the future our students deserve. Over the past two years, I have been reminded that leadership—restorative, emancipatory, accessible, and liberatory leadership—is not simply about decision-making. It is about the courage to

Our Voice, Our Future: From Curiosity to Action Greetings, CMC Family, I write to you in a pivotal month. November is a time of incredible energy for our community. Many of us are just returning from the vibrant exchange of ideas at the CMC South Conference, still buzzing with inspiration from our colleagues. Others are looking ahead with anticipation to the deep, reflective learning that awaits us at the CMC North Conference in Asilomar (December 5-7, 2025). The themes for o

Dear CMC Family, ​ As I write this message, my heart is full—with gratitude, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. This past July, I began a new chapter in my professional journey with the California Teachers Association (CTA). For more than 150 years, CTA has been a powerful voice for educators, leading the labor movement and ensuring that every student in California has access to a high-quality public education. To stand alongside 310,000 dedicated educators across our sta

From Framework to Classroom: A Call to Action on Instructional Materials Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! September marks a period of exciting transition. As the rhythm of summer gives way to new academic routines, I know that families across California are navigating this shift, and our dedicated educators are working tirelessly to prepare for the year ahead. In these crucial first few weeks, our collective focus is on creating learning environments that are welcoming,

A Bold Vision for Mathematics Education: Daring to Lead Forward As August warms us, I feel deep purpose and pride in our work as California Mathematics Council (CMC) members. Our commitment to high-quality, equitable mathematics education is more vital and 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, connec