Texas Instruments Teacher Leader Cadre – 2026 Cohort: Key Takeaways

Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from learning alongside passionate educators who challenge me to think differently, grow professionally, and ultimately become a better leader and teacher for my students. That’s why I am incredibly excited and honored to share that I have been selected as a member of the 2026 Texas Instruments (T³) Teacher Leader Cadre. This opportunity is more than a professional milestone—it’s an opportunity to join a community of educators who believe mathematics should be engaging, accessible, and empowering for every student. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating classrooms where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, take risks, and discover the beauty of mathematics. Technology has always been an important part of that vision—not as a replacement for thinking, but as a catalyst for deeper understanding, curiosity, and meaningful problem solving.

As a member of the 2026 T³ Teacher Leader Cadre, I’ll have the privilege of learning from some of the nation’s most innovative mathematics educators while continuing to grow as a leader in professional learning. I’m excited to explore new ways to leverage Texas Instruments technology to help students visualize mathematics, strengthen mathematical reasoning, and create learning experiences that inspire confidence and curiosity. This journey also represents another step in my commitment to supporting teachers. Whether I’m facilitating professional learning, coaching educators, or sharing classroom resources, I believe that investing in teachers creates a ripple effect that reaches countless students. Every conversation, every workshop, and every shared idea has the potential to transform learning.

The journey officially began in Dallas, Texas, where our 2026 T³ Teacher Leader Cohort came together for three days of immersive professional learning. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this experience would be about much more than learning how to use technology—it was about joining a community of educators committed to inspiring students and empowering teachers. Over three days, we explored the powerful capabilities of Texas Instruments technology through engaging mathematical investigations, collaborative problem-solving, and thoughtful discussions about effective instruction. Every session challenged us to think beyond the calculator itself and focus on how technology can deepen conceptual understanding, promote mathematical discourse, and make abstract ideas more accessible for students.

Five Key Takeaways

Across the three days of the Texas Instruments Teacher Leader Cadre, five key themes consistently emerged. The programing was intentionally designed to develop participants not only as technology users, but as reflective educators, facilitators of learning, and leaders within the mathematics education community.

1. Technology Should Support Learning, Not Drive It

One of the biggest things I took away from the Teacher Leader Cadre was that technology should never be the focus of the lesson—it should support students’ thinking. Throughout the three days, we explored the TI-84 and TI-Nspire calculators, and each activity challenged us to think about how technology can help students visualize mathematics, make connections, and deepen their understanding. That shift in perspective really resonated with me.

2. Good Teaching Matters More Than Great Technology

The calculators are powerful tools, but they’re only as effective as the teaching behind them. One of my favorite parts of the experience was revisiting the NCTM Mathematics Teaching Practices and seeing how they naturally fit into technology-rich lessons. It reminded me that meaningful mathematical discourse, purposeful questioning, productive struggle, and building conceptual understanding should always come first. Technology simply gives us another way to make those experiences richer for students.

3. Being a Teacher Leader Means Sharing What You Learn

The Teacher Leader Cadre isn’t just about becoming more knowledgeable—it’s about giving back. Throughout the program, we talked about mentoring other educators, presenting at conferences, leading professional learning, and becoming part of a larger community of math educators. It reinforced something I’ve always believed: some of the best professional growth happens when we share ideas, learn from one another, and help move our profession forward.

4. Growth Comes from Reflection and Feedback

One thing that stood out to me was how much time we spent reflecting and learning more effective ways to provide feedback. We also had opportunities to present mini-lessons and receive thoughtful feedback from our peers. It was a good reminder that becoming a better educator isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to learn, reflect, and keep growing.

5. The Community Is Just as Valuable as the Learning

The content was excellent, but what I’ll probably remember most are the people. Over three days, I had the chance to collaborate with passionate educators from across the country who all share a common goal: helping students experience meaningful mathematics. The conversations, the problem solving, and the willingness to learn from one another made this experience something special. I’m excited to stay connected with this community and continue learning together long after these first three days.

I left Dallas with far more than new technical skills. I left with fresh ideas for my classroom, renewed inspiration for my work with teachers, meaningful connections with colleagues, and an even stronger belief that mathematics should be a subject where every student has opportunities to explore, reason, and experience success. I’ll be using this space to document my experiences throughout the program—sharing reflections, instructional ideas, classroom activities, technology tips, and lessons learned along the way. My hope is that these posts will not only capture my own growth but also provide practical ideas and inspiration for fellow educators who are passionate about reimagining mathematics education.

I can’t wait to see where this journey will lead, and I’m excited to learn, collaborate, and grow with an incredible community of educators dedicated to helping every student discover the power and joy of mathematics.