Arizona Department of Education Announces Partnership with the University of Arizona Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR) to Support Free Math Professional Learning for All Teachers Statewide

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is excited to announce a new partnership, supported by CARES Act funds, with the University of Arizona (UA) to offer new free professional learning opportunities for Math teachers statewide through September 2021.

The UA Department of Mathematics Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR) will partner with ADE to provide free online and hybrid training opportunities to all K-12 Arizona teachers of Mathematics. Free workshops will be designed to deepen teachers' mathematical understanding, promote hands-on, student-centered lessons, examine alternative ways to present particular topics, including using technology, develop effective pedagogical practices, and model effective teaching. The Center will also host the annual Mathematics Educator Appreciation Day (MEAD) conference for K-12 educators in January.

“As schools and families adjust to new ways of learning this school year, it is critical that students feel academically supported, so they do not fall behind. This partnership with the Center for Recruitment and Retention will provide teachers with resources to best serve their students and help ensure academic success in the face of so many challenges this year,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.

ADE previously partnered with the Center to provide critical and free training opportunities for teachers to support online and distance learning in late Spring and Summer after schools were closed due to COVID-19. Importantly, sessions focused on supporting special education teachers with math instruction provided during this time.

“The Center for Recruitment and Retention has provided excellent professional development opportunities for teachers in Southern Arizona for nearly 20 years.  I am delighted to see that they will now be able to offer their services state-wide in support of their mission to ensure that every student has a highly qualified mathematics teacher,” said Douglas Ulmer Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Arizona.

This new partnership, funded through ADE’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund grant via the CARES Act, extends the Center’s ability to continue to offer these workshops, while also expanding the capacity and reach of the Center to support teachers statewide.

Additional information regarding the partnership may be found at https://crr.math.arizona.edu/ and at www.azed.gov.