Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers - CRR

We were honored to host state-level AmeriCorps administrators during their recent site visit to our STEMM Program!

Their feedback highlighted the dedication of our tutors and the positive environment our program creates for both professional and personal development. They shared that our program “demonstrates a high capacity for identifying and retaining committed, passionate AmeriCorps tutors, exemplifying the program’s success in fostering self-development and professional engagement.”

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of this program and the students we serve each day! We are so grateful for everyone who contributes their time, energy, and passion to making this program successful. Moments like these remind us why this work matters.

“It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the people who don’t let you give up.” 🍎

We’re closing out Teacher Appreciation Week with some heartfelt stories from our very own team! Our student workers wouldn't be where they are today without their teachers.

They didn't just teach equations; they taught us how to believe in ourselves.

To the teachers who saw the potential behind the struggle: Thank you for everything.

Who was the teacher that changed your perspective?

Check out what our friends are doing this summer!

📣 Two events you can’t miss this summer!
Join math educators from across Arizona at The Phoenician in Scottsdale for two powerful professional learning opportunities.
🧠 CGI Summer Conference (PK–7)
📅 June 28–30, 2026
☀️ Math in the Sun (PK–12)
📅 July 1–2, 2026
Grow your practice, connect with colleagues, and dive deep into high‑impact math instruction—all in one amazing location.
✅ Register now and make it a full week of learning!
🔗 CGI: www.cgiconference.org
🔗 MITS: www.azmathleaders.org/mits
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Two conferences. One incredible week. 🌵➕🧠
📍 The Phoenician | Scottsdale, AZ
🧠 CGI (PK–7): June 28–30
☀️ Math in the Sun (PK–12): July 1–2
Level up your math instruction this summer!
🔗 Register today

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎 We’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible educators who bring both expertise and a sense of humor to their work every day.

Special thanks to Michael for the inspiration behind today’s post, reminding us that even the toughest subjects are better when we can share a laugh.

Let’s celebrate our teachers! What’s the best math joke you’ve ever heard? 🔢💬

What do math teachers do that people don’t always notice? 💭

Director Gretchen Stickney puts it perfectly: it’s all the invisible decisions happening every day. When to step in, when to step back, and how to help students think for themselves.

Math teachers aren’t just teaching equations; they’re building confidence and helping students believe, “I can figure this out.”

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the work we don’t always see ❤️

"What do you admire about the math teachers you work with?" 🍎📐
For Dr. Rodrigo Gutiérrez, the answer is simple: their unwavering commitment. He notes that teachers consistently give 120%, often prioritizing their students' success above all else.
This , we want to bring visibility to that "extra mile." Math teachers don't just teach equations; they build students' confidence, persistence, and critical thinking skills.
How can we support them?
Acknowledge their hard work.
Advocate for better resources.
Appreciate the personal sacrifices they make for our community.

A huge congratulations to our own director, Dr. Rodrigo Gutiérrez! 🎊 Receiving the UNIDOS Employee Excellence Award is such a beautiful reflection of the impact he has on those around him. Thank you, Dr. Gutiérrez, for being such a supportive and inspiring leader for our department.

Our Student Worker of the Month: Jayde Vaughan! 🌟
Jayde serves as the Data Systems Assistant here at the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers, and her hard work behind the scenes makes a massive difference in our daily operations. Nominated by her mentors and supervisors, she was officially presented with her award and certificate this past week! 📜✨
We’re so grateful for the expertise and energy Jayde brings to the team. Congratulations, Jayde, on this fantastic achievement! 📐💻

The CRR family has something to celebrate! 🎊
On April 23rd, our center was honored with the Award for Excellence. This recognition highlights our ongoing efforts to strengthen the math teacher workforce and support the educators who inspire the next generation of problem solvers.
Thank you to our staff, mentors, and the entire math department for your continued excellence! 👏