Why Every Teacher Should Say Yes to CRR’s IMPACTS Summer Institute
Reflections from My Week as a Teacher Leader with Agi Post
This summer, I had the privilege of serving as a teacher leader at the CRR (Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers) IMPACTS Summer Institute alongside Agi Post, who is the Elementary Program Coordinator. It was one of those rare professional development experiences that not only fills your teacher toolbox, but also fills your heart.
For five powerful days, we gathered as a community of K–5 teachers—no judgment, just curiosity, encouragement, and 100% engagement. Each day focused on a different “big idea” in math:
- Day 1: Counting & Cardinality
- Day 2: Place Value
- Day 3: Addition & Subtraction
- Day 4: Multiplication & Division
- Day 5: Fractions
Across the week, we dove deep into instructional routines, learning trajectories, and the 8 Mathematical Practices, using the book Routines for Reasoning as our anchor text. Each day, we explored a chapter together and reflected on how the routine could support meaningful mathematical thinking. What made it so impactful was how we approached each lesson through two lenses:
What does the student experience?
What can I take back to my classroom as a teacher?
We didn’t just talk about best practices—we lived them. We analyzed student work, practiced productive facilitation, and studied how students learn by reflecting on our own learning. We used math manipulatives, wrestled through challenging tasks, and grew stronger together.
One of the most unique parts of the institute was the BTC grouping method which is randomized groups each day. It meant that we were constantly forming new partnerships, learning from different grade levels and perspectives. And with a full hour for lunch, we had time to connect deeply, reflect on the morning’s learning, and share real-life classroom tips and wins.
I left the week feeling energized, inspired, and full of ideas. But most of all, I felt a sense of belonging in this vibrant community of educators who are all striving to reimagine what math class can be.
My Biggest Takeaway
We are all learning. Together. Whether you’ve been teaching for 2 years or 20, there is always more to explore. This week reminded me that math class should be a space of curiosity, joy, and belonging for students and teachers alike. We’re learning new strategies, better ways to support number sense, clearer ways to teach concepts, and most importantly, how to make math make sense for every student.
So, if you ever have the chance to participate in the CRR Summer Institute, say yes. Step into a space where challenge is welcomed, mistakes are valued, and math is more than just answers—it’s thinking, puzzling, and collaborating.
I’m grateful for this community. And I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned into the new school year with confidence, purpose, and joy.
Check out what the CRR IMPACTS Program is all about: https://crr.math.arizona.edu/impacts
