Michael Carden, an 8th-grade teacher at UP Academy Dorchester in Boston Public Schools (MA), has been named the Open Up Resources 6–8 Math Teacher of the Month for November. Carden is being recognized for his outstanding work in his classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.

Carden’s work with Open Up Resources 6–8 Math makes him one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The Open Up Resources 6–8 Math curriculum inspires a new way of teaching math by transforming classrooms into “hives of activity” focusing on discussion, questioning, debate, and the deeper conceptual learning of mathematics that follows. 

Colleague, Leah Nash nominated Carden for his leadership on their 8th-grade team and dedication for differentiating based on student learning and needs. “Mr. Carden is a former special education teacher and his background allows him to adapt the curriculum to students’ learning and growth,” she shared.

Carden said he is enjoying coming up with new ways to use the curriculum to engage students and make learning fun. He said, “The inquiry-based approach to understanding and internalizing math concepts instead of drilling into mechanics with rote practice,” is his favorite part of teaching with the curriculum.

Open Up Resources is a non-profit on a mission to increase equity in education by making excellent, top-rated curricula freely available to districts. You can learn more at www.openupresources.org. Learn more about our National Professional Learning Communities here.