CPM Educational Program

Academy of
Best Practice

Welcoming our 9th cohort ABP!

Salt Lake City, Utah | July 20–24, 2026

Application deadline is April 30th
Academy of Best Practice participants group photo
32 seats available

Event Details

Everything You Need to Know

Dates
July 20–24, 2026
Five full days of professional learning
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Venue details provided upon acceptance
Seats Available
64 Total
32 New Teacher cohort 32 Veteran cohort
Limited enrollment — apply early
Application Deadline
April 30, 2026
Decisions communicated within 2 weeks
Cost
Fully Covered*
CPM covers travel, lodging, and meals for accepted participants.
*New Teacher program only

About the Academy

Bringing mathematics to more people

The Academy of Best Practices is a gathering of engaging, diverse, and passionate math educators united by one goal: bringing mathematics to more people.

Teaching math is one of the most challenging and rewarding things a person can do. The Academy exists for educators who feel that deeply — who show up every day committed to their students and are ready to grow. Over the course of the week, you will be surrounded by teachers who share your passion and push your thinking in ways a typical professional development day cannot.

Apply Now
ABP participants collaborating

The Experience

What To Expect

The Academy runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Utah. Evenings are yours to read, solve interesting math problems, and explore Salt Lake City.

Throughout the week, you will dig into the questions that matter most in a math classroom.

To participate, you must be free of all obligations during scheduled hours for all five days.
ABP 2025 participants

The Setting

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Academy takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. Known for its outdoor beauty, vibrant food scene, and easy accessibility from across the country, Salt Lake City is a fitting home for a week of growth, connection, and inspiration.

In your free time, Salt Lake City has plenty to explore — from world-class restaurants and local shopping to parks and mountain trails just minutes from the city center.

🏠 On-Campus Housing

Participants stay in on-campus apartments at the University of Utah with a private sleeping space and shared common areas. Housing details will be shared with accepted attendees.

Salt Lake City skyline with Wasatch Mountains

Our History

Where We've Been

San Diego
2025
San Diego, California
University of San Diego
Seattle
2024
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington

Who Should Apply

Two Tracks, One Community

The Academy of Best Practices offers two distinct programs held the same week at the same location — each designed for a different stage of a teacher's journey.

New Teachers

Built for educators who are just getting started and ready to grow

Academy for New Teachers

A 5-day institute designed to transform early-career math educators into future leaders. Whether you are new to CPM or teaching a different curriculum entirely, if you have five years or less in the classroom, this academy is for you.

  • Develop your practice both in the classroom and in the broader field of education
  • Expand your instructional resources and toolkit
  • Build a countrywide network of fellow math educators who will support you for years to come
New Teachers Application
Veteran Teachers

For educators who are deeply experienced and ready to go even deeper

Academy for Veteran Teachers

A 5-day institute designed to inspire and re-energize educators who have been teaching CPM for six or more years. A chance to step back from the day-to-day and reconsider your practice from a higher vantage point.

  • Deepen your instructional practice with a cohort of experienced CPM teachers
  • Collaborate with mentors and peer educators from across the country
  • Return to your classroom energized with fresh strategies and renewed purpose
Veteran Teachers Application

Important Dates

Deadlines & Timeline

Applications due April 30, 2026
Notifications sent May 15, 2026
Event dates July 20-24, 2026
Location University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Seats available 32

Ready to apply? Seats are limited and applications close April 30. This is your week to apply!

Apply Now

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on which program you are applying for. New Teachers — No CPM experience required. All math educators are welcome. Veteran Teachers — Yes, you must currently be teaching CPM curriculum to apply.

Yes — for all accepted participants. CPM covers travel, lodging, and meals for everyone, regardless of which cohort you are accepted into. Details on the reimbursement process will be shared upon acceptance.

Stipends are available for accepted New Teacher participants. Specific amounts will be communicated during the acceptance process.*New Teacher program only

Participants stay in on-campus apartments at the University of Utah with a private sleeping space and shared common areas. Details will be shared with accepted attendees.

Sessions run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evenings are free for participants to explore Salt Lake City, read, or solve interesting math problems. Attendance is required for all five full days.

Graduate credit opportunities may be available. Details will be provided to accepted participants.

Participants are selected based on their applications. CPM is committed to building a diverse and representative cohort that reflects the students and communities they serve.

Notifications are sent on May 15, 2026. All applicants will be contacted regardless of the outcome.

Hear From Participants

What Teachers Are Saying

ABP 2022 Team Photo
The Academy of Best Practices welcomes math educators from all backgrounds, school types, and curricula. We are committed to building a diverse and representative cohort of teachers who reflect the students and communities they serve.
"

Before attending this program, I thought I may not last long-term as a teacher, but this experience inspired me so much, and I no longer have intentions of leaving the classroom.

ABP New Teacher

"

I also formed several relationships with teachers from across the U.S. who I still collaborate with even five years after attending ABP. The entire experience is one I will never forget.

ABP Veteran

"

As our district is in a financial crunch, ABP allowed me to receive significant PD without having to fund it myself on my stagnant salary. My professionalism, pedagogy, and passion for education were reinvigorated.

ABP Veteran

Questions? We're here to help. Reach out to us at conference@cpm.org and we'll get back to you.
Email conference@cpm.org

Statistics

JAVA

Calculus
Third Edition

Precalculus
Third Edition

Precalculus
Supplement

2.3.4

Defining Concavity

4.4.1

Characteristics of Polynomial Functions

5.2.6

Semi-Log Plots

5 Closure

Closure How Can I Apply It? Activity 3

9.3.1

Transition States

9.3.2

Future and Past States

10.3.1

The Parametrization of Functions, Conics, and Their Inverses

10.3.2

Vector-Valued Functions

11.1.5

Rate of Change of Polar Functions

Matemática
Integrada I

Matemática
Integrada II

Matemática
Integrada III

Integrated I

Integrated II

Integrated III

Core Connections en español, Álgebra

Core Connections en español, Geometría

Core Connections en español, Álgebra 2

Core Connections
Algebra

Core Connections Geometry

Core Connections
Algebra 2

Core Connections 1

Core Connections 2

Core Connections 3

Core Connections en español,
Curso 1
Core Connections en español,
Curso 2
Core Connections en español,
Curso 3

Inspiring Connections
Course 1

Inspiring Connections
Course 2

Inspiring Connections
Course 3

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Algebra Tiles Blue Icon

Algebra Tiles Session

  • Used throughout CPM middle and high school courses
  • Concrete, geometric representation of algebraic concepts.
  • Two-hour virtual session,
  •  Learn how students build their conceptual understanding of simplifying algebraic expressions
  • Solving equations using these tools.  
  • Determining perimeter,
  • Combining like terms,
  • Comparing expressions,
  • Solving equations
  • Use an area model to multiply polynomials,
  • Factor quadratics and other polynomials, and
  • Complete the square.
  • Support the transition from a concrete (manipulative) representation to an abstract model of mathematics..

Foundations for Implementation

This professional learning is designed for teachers as they begin their implementation of CPM. This series contains multiple components and is grounded in multiple active experiences delivered over the first year. This learning experience will encourage teachers to adjust their instructional practices, expand their content knowledge, and challenge their beliefs about teaching and learning. Teachers and leaders will gain first-hand experience with CPM with emphasis on what they will be teaching. Throughout this series educators will experience the mathematics, consider instructional practices, and learn about the classroom environment necessary for a successful implementation of CPM curriculum resources.

Page 2 of the Professional Learning Progression (PDF) describes all of the components of this learning event and the additional support available. Teachers new to a course, but have previously attended Foundations for Implementation, can choose to engage in the course Content Modules in the Professional Learning Portal rather than attending the entire series of learning events again.

Building on Instructional Practice Series

The Building on Instructional Practice Series consists of three different events – Building on Discourse, Building on Assessment, Building on Equity – that are designed for teachers with a minimum of one year of experience teaching with CPM instructional materials and who have completed the Foundations for Implementation Series.

Building on Equity

In Building on Equity, participants will learn how to include equitable practices in their classroom and support traditionally underserved students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Essential questions include: How do I shift dependent learners into independent learners? How does my own math identity and cultural background impact my classroom? The focus of day one is equitable classroom culture. Participants will reflect on how their math identity and mindsets impact student learning. They will begin working on a plan for Chapter 1 that creates an equitable classroom culture. The focus of day two and three is implementing equitable tasks. Participants will develop their use of the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Meaningful Mathematical Discussions and curate strategies for supporting all students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Participants will use an equity lens to reflect on and revise their Chapter 1 lesson plans.

Building on Assessment

In Building on Assessment, participants will apply assessment research and develop methods to provide feedback to students and inform equitable assessment decisions. On day one, participants will align assessment practices with learning progressions and the principle of mastery over time as well as write assessment items. During day two, participants will develop rubrics, explore alternate types of assessment, and plan for implementation that supports student ownership. On the third day, participants will develop strategies to monitor progress and provide evidence of proficiency with identified mathematics content and practices. Participants will develop assessment action plans that will encourage continued collaboration within their learning community.

Building on Discourse

In Building on Discourse, participants will improve their ability to facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse. This learning experience will encourage participants to adjust their instructional practices in the areas of sharing math authority, developing independent learners, and the creation of equitable classroom environments. Participants will plan for student learning by using teaching practices such as posing purposeful questioning, supporting productive struggle, and facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse. In doing so, participants learn to support students collaboratively engaged with rich tasks with all elements of the Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices incorporated through intentional and reflective planning.