This year, at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) annual conference, Open Up Resources (OUR) delivered a series of dynamic and mission-driven programming that underscored its commitment to classroom equity. By engaging educators through interactive sessions, announcements, and collaborative partnerships, OUR reiterated our mission of ensuring every student, regardless of background, has access to high-quality mathematics instruction to foster their success.
Mathematics & Music Event: Education and Impact in Harmony
One of the standout moments at this year’s NCTM conference was Open Up Resources’ “Mathematics & Music” event. This annual gathering brought together impactful math leaders and educators from across K-12, setting the tone for a week filled with collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.
Our Academics, Equity and Social Justice team, led by Dr. Kristopher J. Childs, hosted the event and shared a number of exciting initiatives in the works at OUR—including exciting updates about our forthcoming curriculum Humanizing Mathematics PreK-5. Dr. Childs’ presentation highlighted the power of culturally relevant teaching practices—an essential component of OUR’s mission. Classroom equity isn’t just about providing resources but also about supporting teachers in making those resources resonate with students’ lived experiences.
California Math Announcement: Empowering Equitable Classrooms
A key highlight from the conference was the highly anticipated announcement of Open Up Resources K-8 Math—California Edition. Educators and leaders were thrilled to hear about the upcoming 2025/26 release, which promises to bring new components designed to support all learners, including English and Spanish-language learners.
This announcement, led by Dr. Jessica Hunter, spoke directly to the needs of California’s diverse student population. The updates to the curriculum reflect OUR’s dedication to equity, with a focus on providing problem-based learning that aligns with state standards and prioritizes inclusion. The excitement around OUR’s “CA Math Edition” emphasized the growing demand for resources that not only meet academic goals but also elevate students’ voices and experiences, ensuring that all learners feel seen, supported, and empowered in the classroom.
Session Highlights: Culture and Identity in Mathematics
Among the many thought-provoking sessions held during NCTM, one that particularly resonated with attendees was “The Power of Identity & Culture: Empowering Student Success.” Led by Tywana Fulford and Cathy Dickson, this session explored the interconnectedness of identity, culture, and math education.
The session addressed one of the most critical issues in achieving classroom equity: how to create environments where all students, particularly young mathematicians from historically marginalized groups, feel a sense of belonging. By focusing on fostering strong mathematical identities and self-belief, the presenters underscored the importance of inclusive practices that build students’ confidence and agency.
Through this lens, the session aligned with OUR’s mission of promoting classroom equity. Ensuring that students’ cultural backgrounds are not only acknowledged but celebrated within the math classroom is key to empowering them to succeed. This session offered practical strategies to help educators champion the brilliance of every student by embracing their identities and amplifying their voices.
Be a Goldfish: Lessons for Resilience and Engagement
Another session that captivated the audience was “Be a Goldfish: 5 Key Takeaways for Math Education,” led by OUR’s Brooke Powers. Drawing inspiration from the hit TV show “Ted Lasso,” Powers uncovered five essential lessons that math educators could implement to foster a positive, resilient, and adaptable classroom culture.
This session was a quintessential blend of humor, inspiration, and actionable strategies, reminding educators that math education, much like life, requires flexibility and perseverance. By embracing these qualities, teachers can create engaging and supportive learning environments that encourage students to tackle challenges head-on. This session’s message aligned seamlessly with OUR’s goal of equipping educators with the tools they need to create equitable and effective math classrooms.
Casio x OUR Technology Partnership: Building Connections
For a 2nd year, Casio invited Open Up Resources to showcase our curriculum and collaborative resources through demos and networking inside their booth at NCTM. Through these events, OUR and Casio offered a hands-on look at how the OUR curriculum and Casio technology work together to support classroom equity and promote a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
To learn more about Open Up Resources’ K–12 Mathematics curricula, click here.