Kristie Mattingly, a secondary mathematics educator at Lincoln County School District (KY), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for November 2023. Mattingly is being recognized for her outstanding work in her classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.

Mattingly’s work with both Open Up Resources 6–8 Math and Open Up High School Mathematics makes her one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The Open Up Resources K–High School Math curriculum inspires a new way of teaching math by transforming classrooms into hives of activity focusing on discussion, questioning, debate, and the deeper conceptual learning of mathematics that follows. 

A colleague of Mattingly, nominated her for the dedication and drive she has with great mathematics instruction. “Kristie goes above and beyond to provide support for her team – prepping and helping with materials, doing the math of every single lesson, and writing grants on her time in hopes to try to secure additional resources. Kristie constantly models vulnerability and a growth mindset as she shares her own struggles in shifting to problem-based learning and utilizing new math models.”

Mattingly shared about the success she has seen with students using the curriculum. She said, “The curriculum truly opens the door to students thinking about the math and approaching the problem through their lens.”

Mattingly has also been investing her time in professional learning provided by Open Up Resources. In reflection about this experience, she shared, “The curriculum is wonderful; but, the people at Open Up are absolutely fantastic. The one-on-one zoom coaching sessions are truly phenomenal! They truly provide a support network of help for beginners and are understanding of what beginning work ‘looks like.’”

Open Up Resources is a non-profit on a mission to increase equity in education by making excellent, top-rated curricula freely available to districts. You can learn more about our curriculum and professional learning at www.openupresources.org.