Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers Earns Marshall Foundation Funding
Marshall Foundation Awards $1.2 Million to 35 Programs that Support Scholarships, Education, and Student Support Services
The Marshall Foundation has awarded over $1 million in grants to 35 Pima County nonprofits and University of Arizona programs and scholarships that work to advance education and enhance student support opportunities. Among these programs is the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers. (CRR)
“These grantees represent the very best of Tucson’s dedication to educational equity and community resilience,” said Kelly Huber, Executive Director of the Marshall Foundation. “We are proud to support their work and the future they’re building for Southern Arizona.” (press release 6/4/25)
The CRR was created to address the shortage of qualified mathematics teachers. Over the years the Center has worked to attract, develop, and support mathematics teachers through innovative programs. Their vision is an excellent mathematics teacher for every child. Over the last 20 years, the CRR has hosted Mathematics Educator Appreciation Day (MEAD), a conference that has grown to be the largest K-16 mathematics teacher conference in the state of Arizona.
Among 8 University of Arizona units to be awarded funding, the CRR notes that this is a powerful affirmation of their mission to ensure that every student in Arizona has access to a knowledgeable, well-supported mathematics teacher.
“Teachers are the heart of mathematics education,” remarked CRR Director Rodrigo Gutiérrez, “When we invest in them, we invest in students, families, and the future of Arizona’s workforce. This funding allows us to continue walking alongside teachers as they transform classrooms, and that’s work worth showing up for every day.”
This newfound funding will allow the Center to continue building lasting partnerships with high schools and districts while deepening the kind of professional learning experiences that truly shift teacher practice and student outcomes.
“At the CRR, we thrive on collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact,” noted CRR Grants and Contracts Specialist Melissa Gomez, “This funding helps us do what we do best, support teachers, elevate instruction, and strengthen Arizona’s mathematics education community.”
More specifically, the funding will support the IMPACTS-HS program, which includes a week-long Summer Institute dedicated to high school mathematics teachers. The Summer Institute provides intensive, hands-on opportunities for educators to explore cutting-edge topics like data science, equitable grading practices, and student-centered lesson design. The awarded support will also aid in offering stipends to teachers and establishing a collaborative professional community that carries into the school year. Additionally, the funding will reinforce ongoing lesson planning support, instructional support, and coaching and mentoring that continues long after the summer ends.
The CRR will continue to engage in partnerships that identify and respond to issues pertinent to math teaching and learning. They will continue to innovate while broadening access and opportunity as they gain state and national attention.
“As we look ahead, we’re focused on integrating real-world, workforce-aligned content like data science into high school classrooms, preparing teachers to lead in their departments, and building stronger systems of support for early-career educators,” Melissa shared, “We see mathematics as a gateway, not a gatekeeper, and we are committed to creating systems where all students have the opportunity to succeed.”
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Contact:
Kelly Huber
Executive Director
Marshall Foundation
(520) 870-4598 (mobile)
(520) 622-6613 (office)
kelly@marshallfoundation.com