Columbus Regional

Mathematics Collaborative (CRMC) 

August/September Newsletter - 2026

As we are embarking in this school year, the Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative is excited to welcome educators back and support you! A new year brings new opportunities to inspire students, strengthen mathematics instruction, and build meaningful mathematical understanding. Be sure to explore our upcoming professional learning opportunities, resources, and events as we kick off another great year of mathematics learning across our region.

Have questions or need support? Reach out to us at crmc@columbusstate.edu

The CRMC recently welcomed educators for Triangulating Improvement, a summer professional development focused on strengthening mathematics instruction and improving student achievement. Educators analyzed assessment data, identified areas for improvement, connected learning targets and standards, and developed yearlong instructional plans for the 2026–2027 school year.

We are grateful to the schools and educators who allowed us to be a part of your classes journey and look forward to continuing to support mathematics learning in your school and across our region!

Join us this fall for an exciting line-up of professional learning opportunities hosted by the Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative! 

Whether you‘re looking to strengthen your instructional practices, explore innovative mathematics resources, or connect with fellow educators, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out our upcoming workshops and conferences below, and simply click the link to learn more and register. We look forward to learning with you this fall!

September 11, 2026 - Exploring Manipulatives (Grades K-5 Focus)

October 2, 2026 (updated date) - DESMOS PD (Grades K-12 Focus)

October 16, 2026 - CODAP PD (Grades 6-12 Focus)

October 29, 2026 - CRMC Fall Conference (Grades K-12 Focus)

November 13, 2026 - GEOGEBRA PD (Grades 6-12 Focus)

December 11, 2026 - DESMOS PD (Grades K-12 Focus)

*please note the October date change for the first DESMOS PD Session*

"Exploring Manipulatives" is a hands-on professional development session designed for K–5 mathematics educators. Participants will explore a variety of manipulatives and learn ways to use them to build conceptual understanding, make mathematics more engaging, and support student learning in the classroom.

Click here to register: Exploring Manipulatives (Grades K-5)

The CRMC is excited to share two STEM grant opportunities designed to support schools and student teams. The STEM Start Up Grant provides funding for new teams to launch STEM experiences with resources such as 3D printers, podcasting equipment, and more. The STEM Team Support Grant provides funding for existing teams to attend competitions and replenish materials and supplies. These grants are designed to help educators give students meaningful opportunities to create, collaborate, compete, and explore STEM.

Columbus State University K-12 STEM Team Start-Up Grant Application Form

Columbus State University K-12 STEM Team Support Mini-Grants Application Form

Looking for other meaningful professional learning opportunities? The CRMC offers customized professional development and lesson modeling designed to meet the unique needs of your school. Whether you're looking to strengthen mathematics instruction, explore new strategies, or see effective teaching practices in action, we are ready to partner with you. Complete our interest form to learn more about how the CRMC can support your teachers and students this school year!

Looking for hands-on tools to support your math instruction? Check out the CRMC Manipulative Catalog! Educators can browse and request manipulatives to be mailed directly to you or returned through the mail—though we always love when teachers come in person to explore our full selection and find the best tools for their classrooms. With a simple e-mail to the CRMC Graduate Assistant, Sarabeth Sansbury, we can have manipulatives and other tools from the CRMC resource room to your classroom in approximately 1-2 business days.

Let us help you bring math to life for your students!

We asked mathematicians and non-mathematicians this simple question… and the responses were fascinating! Spoiler alert: the people who do math for a living didn’t think “math people” exist. 

The mathematicians also shared their reasoning and perspectives on why they believe there is no such thing as a “math person.”

Math is not about being born with a special ability. It is about learning, problem-solving, persistence, and believing you can grow.

Connect with us on Instagram @mathcollab to stay connected and inspired! A perfect way for sparking new ideas and staying up to date with all things CRMC.

Check out the CRMC YouTube channel for quick, practical resources you can use right away! From hands-on manipulative tutorials to brief research summaries, our videos are designed to support and inspire your math instruction.

As we settle into the new school year, the CRMC wants to remind you that we are here to support you! We hope your school year is off to a great start and that you are finding opportunities to inspire curiosity, build mathematical understanding, and make a difference in the lives of your students. We look forward to learning and growing with you!

The Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative is a Center of Excellence based in the

Connect with the Columbus Regional Math Collaborative