PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

That statement guided every aspect of the Summit—from the sessions we designed, to the conversations we held, to the final day when we walked the halls of the California State Capitol to speak directly to legislators.

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​Impact, Insight, and Advocacy

Throughout the two days, we dove deeply into pressing and timely topics. We explored the 2023 California Mathematics Framework and what effective, equity-centered implementation might look like in classrooms across our diverse state. We examined high-quality instructional materials and how to evaluate and adopt tools that reflect both rigor and relevance for all learners, especially those who have been historically underserved.

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Participants also engaged in thoughtful collaboration with mathematics leaders from various regions. These weren’t just networking moments; they were action-oriented dialogues. Together, we unpacked common challenges, brainstormed and reflected on innovative approaches. We shared what’s working—and what’s not. We built trust. We built momentum.

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And then, on Day Two, we did something bold and courageous: we brought our collective voice to the Capitol. We met directly with legislators and policymakers—not with fear, but with purpose and hope. We reminded them that CMC represents nearly 5,000 educators, impacting over 250,000 students across California, and we are aligned in our message: To improve mathematics outcomes, we must invest in the people doing the work.

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We spoke about the structural and systemic barriers that too often get in the way of student success. We urged lawmakers to fund and prioritize strong preparation and ongoing support for teachers and coaches, particularly at the elementary level. We lifted up the need for culturally and linguistically responsive materials and pedagogies. We advocated for policies that uphold both equity and excellence—because our students deserve nothing less.

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This entire undertaking was made possible through the generous support of the Gates Foundation, whose belief in our vision allowed us to bring together a wide and diverse group of educators. We are deeply grateful for this investment—and for the trust it represents in the leadership of CMC and the educators we serve.

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The Light We Carry

Throughout the summit, I kept returning to a quote that I said in my welcome address from Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry:

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“We become bolder in brightness. If you know your light, you know yourself. You know your own story in an honest way.”

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In a world where educators are too often asked to dim their light—to conform, to comply, to carry burdens in silence—this message is revolutionary. Self-knowledge, as she reminds us, is not only a path to confidence; it is the root of connection. And connection is the bedrock of everything.

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“One light feeds another… One strong family lends strength to more. One engaged community can ignite those around it. This is the power of the light we carry.”

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That quote encapsulates what I experienced at CMC IMPACT 2025. One educator would speak, and another would be sparked with inspiration. One leader would share a vulnerability, and suddenly, others felt seen. One district shared a bold new practice, and others left eager to try. One light feeds another—this is the power of our community.

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Our Next Steps

CMC IMPACT 2025 was not the end—it was just the beginning. In fact, I believe we are at a critical moment in mathematics education, especially in California. The landscape is shifting, with new frameworks, increased attention to equity, and growing awareness that math is not neutral. Our subject has been used to sort, gatekeep, and exclude—and now, we have the opportunity and responsibility to rebuild it as a space of empowerment, curiosity, and justice.

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As we move forward, here are the commitments we must carry with us:

• We must believe in the brilliance of every child. Equity begins with belief.

• We must advocate boldly for what teachers and students need—adequate funding, preparation, and support.

• We must make space for diverse voices, especially those at the margins.

• We must lead together, across positional titles and regions.

• And we must stay grounded in what CMC has always stood for: that mathematics is a human endeavor, and every student deserves access to its beauty, its power, and its promise.

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Lighting the Way—Together

As your President, it is my honor to serve a community that leads with heart. I am constantly inspired by the commitment, persistence, creativity, and integrity that CMC members bring to this work. You teach with courage. You lead with vision. You advocate with love.

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So let us continue to carry the light forward. Into our classrooms. Into our staff rooms. Into our district or county offices. Into our legislative spaces. Let’s light up every space we enter with the fire of possibility, and let’s do it together—because the journey to equity is not a solo act. It’s a collective one.

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On behalf of the California Mathematics Council, thank you for your tireless work, your partnership, and your light. The future of mathematics education in California is brighter because of you.

 

In gratitude and solidarity,

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Dr. Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino,NBCT

President, California Mathematics Council