"When we work in groups to solve problems together, we can share ideas. I like that it’s just girls."

"There is a great difference in this new math teaching for the students and also for the teachers."

"I love the math games because we get to learn in a fun way. I can see that there’s math in everything."

"I have learned to work with my peers in a team. I get to tell my opinion. I really like that you teach us math."

We listened to each other and learned. We respected each other as colleagues. It was so eye opening for me.

Jenny Goldner | Teacher

The educators I was able to work with for the week were incredible, and I learned so much by working alongside them. Throughout the week, I was able to grow as an educator. It is exciting to think about what could be accomplished through this program, especially after seeing the enthusiasm from the local teachers.

Matt Enderle | Teacher

I had the opportunity to collaborate with talented teachers from around the US to support instruction at a school in Guatemala. I never expected to learn more from the local teachers and students than I taught them. I am so grateful to have had this experience and to be able to share it with my students.

Kirsten Lynn | Teacher

I love to work with Mathkind because I feel that my goal as part of the team is not to 'dump knowledge' on the teachers but rather to develop a relationship with them — a true collaboration.

Carolina Napp-Avelli | Professor

Having worked with teachers for many years, I can say that my Mathkind experience was one of the most meaningful I have had. It was so refreshing to work with the Guatemalan teachers who were enthusiastic and eager to learn. Partnering with the teachers there gave me an opportunity to learn from them - I loved it!

Terry Goodman | Professor

By the last day, I wasn't new, I was just the Guatemalan students' teacher. We were a team. I'm planning to return next year.

Pamela Faber | Professor

It was the BEST week in my teaching career!! Professionally, I don't have words. The last night was one of the best days of my life.

Lindsay Russell | Math Teacher

Together we imagined new ways of teaching, a different learning experience than most of us had. Anyone making this shift alone faces an insurmountable task. However, as a community we felt empowered.

Beatriz Quintos | Professor

I think this is going to be a beautiful experience for everyone involved. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Gabriela Bermingham | Teacher

I really valued this amazing opportunity to work with the teachers in Santa Cruz, and all of the facilitators. I feel like I made some very valuable connections, and met many mentors as well!

Alice Cook | Education Coach

We talk about student-centered learning in the US and the incredible impact it has on students. We are showing this concept to the Guatemalans, in their rural towns, and they are embracing it. More importantly, the students are embracing it! Once again, as the saying goes, I learned more than I gave! The Guatemalans are beautiful, proud, respectful, happy, appreciative people. I was honored to be a part of a team.

Mary Ollila | Teacher

These trips allowed me to 'walk my talk'. It is one thing to talk about diversity and helping open further access to students. It is another to be the one working with teachers to collaborate on change and implementation. These trips allowed me to reflect on not only my profession and practice but also on what some children and teachers face just to put a foot in a school.

Jim Barta | Professor

My students and I all realize that service is important, but my experience helped me realize that service can come in many forms. In particular, it's important to think about what others actually need, not what I think they need. I'm hoping to talk with my students about what service they're doing and how that is impacting others. In addition, I am planning to incorporate some projects into my classes where the students think about how math is used in the lives of people in developing countries.

Krista Holstein | Teacher

In Guatemala I had the most amazing experience of my teaching career with Mathkind! Wish I was on the way now, but I know I will return. The people I met, especially my translators, changed my life forever!

Tracy Jones | Teacher