Winter 2025 President's Message
- Hilda Villarreal Wright
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 8
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 space possible.
I am especially grateful to serve alongside a talented and gifted Board of Directors. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to this work are truly inspiring. At the heart of our work is a shared belief that “we believe in the brilliance of every math learner.” (this comes from our mission) Mathematics is all around us, and it is full of beauty. So many people believe they are not “mathematicians,” yet in reality, mathematics is a part of who we are. We often hear that we use math every day, and we do, but it rarely looks like a worksheet with 20 problems. Instead, it shows up as problem solving, reasoning, sense-making, and thinking. We all engage in them. These are human practices.
My own identity and love for mathematics began with my father, Carlos, my math hero, who provided me with rich experiences that allowed me to believe in myself and think like a mathematician. Every day he allowed me the opportunity to experience mathematics in an authentic meaningful way by asking me questions and challenging me to solve problems. His influence shaped my belief that “each and every student has the capacity to become mathematically competent and confident”(this comes from our mission). It is my hope that together we can create these kinds of experiences for students, experiences that invite engagement with others, build deep understanding, and help learners see how mathematics connects to their everyday lives. As the California Mathematics Framework reminds us, “Everyone is capable of learning math, and each person’s math capacity grows with engagement and perseverance.”
We also recognize that many districts, counties, and schools across California are currently engaged in conversations about the CA Mathematics Framework, curriculum adoption, implementation, and high-quality instructional materials. This work is complex and important, and the California Mathematics Council is committed to supporting educators, leaders, and communities throughout this process. We see the new CA Mathematics Framework and High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) as valuable resources that support “continual improvement towards excellence in the teaching and learning of mathematics for each and every student.” Research and guidance from the HQIM Learning Partners Coalition remind us that “high-quality instructional materials can be transformation tools for equity.” When thoughtfully implemented, these resources can help create classrooms that reflect “rigorous, relevant, and challenging mathematics,” (our mission) while centering students as sense-makers and problem solvers and preparing them for college, career, and meaningful participation in civic life.
As we move forward together, I invite you to join me in continuing this important work, providing and promoting professional learning, engaging in thoughtful dialogue with educators, families, and communities, and advocating for mathematics education that is equitable and accessible to all students. May we redefine who can take the title of a mathematician and how we experience mathematics. Let us notice, name, and celebrate the mathematics that exists in our classrooms, our communities, and our daily lives. I look forward to serving as the California Mathematics Council State President and supporting our members, students, families, educators, and community in our shared vision for mathematics, a human right.
With gratitude,
Hilda Villarreal Wright
California Mathematics Council
State President
California Department of Education. Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (2023).
Guidance designed to support educators in implementing rigorous, research-based mathematics instruction aligned to California’s learning standards.
Available from the California Department of Education:
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High-Quality Instructional Materials Learning Partners Coalition (HQIM-LPC). Defining High-Quality Instructional Materials for Mathematics: Centering the Assets and Needs of Multilingual Learner and English Learner Students.
A comprehensive guide to developing and evaluating HQIM for mathematics that supports alignment with standards and equitable access for diverse learners. Published by Education Trust-West with partner organizations.
Available from The Education Trust-West:
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