By the IM Team
Welcome to the 2024–2025 school year! As we gear up for another exciting year of learning and growth, Illustrative Mathematics is here to support you every step of the way. This year, we are more committed than ever to providing educators with the resources, insights, and inspiration needed to create engaging and effective math classrooms.
In this Back-to-School Roundup, we’ve curated a collection of valuable tools, tips, and strategies to help you kick off the school year with confidence. From innovative lesson plans and classroom management techniques to professional development opportunities and community-building activities, we’ve got everything you need to ensure a successful start.
Join us as we explore ways to foster a positive learning environment, embrace new teaching methodologies, and connect with a community of passionate educators dedicated to making math accessible and enjoyable for all students. Let’s make this school year the best one yet, filled with discovery, growth, and mathematical magic!
Stay tuned for a wealth of resources and ideas designed to support you in creating an inspiring and dynamic classroom experience. Here’s to a fantastic 2024–2025 school year with Illustrative Mathematics!
Getting Started with Illustrative Mathematics
By Dr. Catherine Castillo, Sr. Specialist, Implementation Portfolio
Educators can kick off the 2024–2025 back-to-school season with this invaluable and comprehensive guide to successfully implementing the IM Certified® Math curriculum. With the upcoming launch of IM® v.360, the detailed roadmap and actionable steps outlined in this guide will help schools ensure a thoughtful and organized rollout. By fostering alignment among teachers and leaders and offering continuous professional learning opportunities, this guide equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to create a cohesive and effective mathematics learning environment from day one. (Read more…)
Reinforcing Conceptual Understanding after Assessments
By Greta Anderson, CEO of Greta Anderson Consulting, LLC and IM Certified Facilitator
In anticipation for the 2024–2025 school year, Greta Anderson offers practical advice for educators to effectively manage their teaching plans while ensuring students achieve a strong conceptual understanding. By implementing these strategies, teachers can start the school year with a proactive mindset, ready to handle assessment challenges in a way that benefits both their students and their curriculum pacing. (Read more…)
Cultivating Joy in the IM Classroom
By Deborah Peart, Founder and CEO of My Mathematical Mind
As we gear up for the 2024–2025 school year, it is essential to focus on cultivating joy in the classroom. The IM curriculum’s support and intentional design make it an excellent resource for teachers to begin the year with confidence and enthusiasm. By embracing the joy of teaching math, educators can inspire a love for mathematics in their students and set a positive tone for the entire school year. (Read more…)
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Math
By Asya Howlette, Director of Mathematics and Science at Thurgood Marshall
For the 2024–2025 back-to-school season, this approach is particularly relevant and valuable for equipping educators with the tools to create inclusive and engaging math classrooms. By integrating culturally responsive pedagogy through IM K-12 Math, teachers can better connect with diverse student backgrounds and foster an environment that promotes critical thinking and active citizenship. This preparation ensures that math education is not only about numbers but also about understanding and analyzing the world, making it a vital component of a holistic education. (Read more…)
Co-Creating an Authentic Math Community
By Meredith Dadigan Abel, IM Certified® Facilitator
Educators preparing for the 2024-2025 school year need to know how to co-create a community in their classrooms. This post provides essential insights into building a supportive and inclusive math community, ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered in their mathematical journey. Perfect for back-to-school preparations, educators will learn practical strategies to create a thriving classroom culture where everyone believes in their mathematical abilities. (Read more…)
Leveraging PLCs to Maintain the Magic in Math Communities Throughout the Entire Year
By Meredith Dadigan Abel, K-5 IM Certified Facilitator
Meredith Dadigan Abel’s strategies for using PLCs to rejuvenate and maintain strong math communities are ideal for setting the tone for a successful school year. By focusing on community norms and relationship-building from the outset, teachers can create a supportive and structured learning environment, ensuring that the magic in math classrooms thrives throughout the year. (Read more…)
Next Steps
As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, the team at Illustrative Mathematics is committed to supporting educators in creating dynamic and engaging learning environments. Whether you’re implementing new strategies, refreshing classroom routines, or exploring innovative teaching methods, we are here to provide the resources and inspiration you need. Let’s make this school year one of growth, discovery, and success for all students. Welcome back to a new year of learning with IM!
