Arizona’s Largest Mathematics Education Event Celebrating 20 Years

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Arizona takes pride in a long and excellent tradition of outreach to the Tucson community and beyond. The goal of their outreach efforts is to promote interest, enthusiasm, inclusion, connection, career awareness, professional development, and lifelong learning within the world of mathematics. Falling within these outreach efforts is the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR), established to address the shortage of qualified mathematics teachers in Southern Arizona. 

Over the last 20+ years, CRR has provided excellent professional development opportunities for thousands of mathematics teachers in Southern Arizona. In addition to free, in-the-moment tutor/mentor help in math for all K-12 students across Arizona, the Center offers year-round professional learning opportunities for K-16 educators including workshops, seminars, summer institutes, classroom-based coaching, new teacher coaching, teacher leader development, learning labs, AP Practice Exam Day, community and family events, and the annual Mathematics Educator Appreciation Day Conference (MEAD).

This year, CRR will be hosting its 20th annual Mathematics Educator Appreciation Day Conference (MEAD), the largest mathematics education event in Arizona. For 20 years, MEAD has welcomed, engaged, and appreciated thousands of educators, both in-state and beyond. An impressive list of sponsors ensures that all Arizona teachers can experience research-based, high quality professional development at no cost at all. 

Among the many incentives provided, attendees have the opportunity to gain a professional development certificate for each session attended. This year’s conference will take place on Saturday, January 27, with over 150 sessions featuring Keynote Speaker Steve Leinwand, winner of the NCSM National Leadership and NCTM Lifetime Achievement Awards. The event will be hybrid with both in-person and virtual options for registration. Congrats CRR for this milestone event.

Learn more about the event and all it has to offer here.