College of Education and Human Development

Leading the Equation: CEHD Math Specialists Champion Equity and Excellence in the Classroom

When Farr Quinn ’24 and Courtney Owen ’26 talk about mathematics, their eyes light up—not at the mention of numbers or formulas, but at the thought of students discovering confidence and joy in learning. Both educators, shaped by their experiences in George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program, see math as a gateway to equity, understanding, and empowerment. This year, they were each awarded First Timer’s Grants to attend the 2025 Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists (VACMS) Conference, recognizing their leadership and providing an opportunity to further their shared mission of strengthening math education across Virginia.

Farr Quinn

For Farr Quinn, an Interventionist and Instructional Coach in Alexandria City Public Schools, the journey to math leadership started in her middle school classroom. When she became an Algebra and Geometry teacher at Jefferson-Houston PreK–8 School, she worked with Holly Tate, a math instructional coach whose mentorship changed Quinn’s teaching approach. “Holly’s expertise and passion for equitable math instruction opened my eyes to a better way to teach,” Quinn recalled. “She helped me put a name to the strategies and routines I had already been using—and challenged me to go deeper.” Seeing firsthand how early learning experiences influence a student’s confidence and success later on, Quinn realized she wanted to improve her own teaching and help other teachers enjoy and intentionally teach math. That led her to CEHD’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program, where she gained the tools and connections to do both.

Her time at CEHD expanded her understanding of how mathematical thinking develops and how effective instruction can change the trajectory of a student’s academic life. “I use all aspects of the program in my current position,” she said. “I’m supporting teachers, advocating for students, and navigating systems that don’t always want to change. The program helped me find my voice and conviction to lead with purpose.” Today, Quinn is channeling that conviction into leading a new Math Task Force at her school, where she is collaborating with teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents to create a Math Whole School Agreement—a plan to align instruction and improve equity in math outcomes. “It takes time and persistence,” she said, “but we’re building something that can make a lasting impact not just in one school, but across our community.”

Courtney Owen

For Courtney Owen, an instructional coach in Henrico County, her journey began with a simple statement of passion. After moving to Virginia from Austin, Texas, she mentioned her love of math to her principal, who immediately invited her to join the campus core content team. That opportunity rekindled her enthusiasm for the subject and set her on a path toward leadership. “I became part of a group of teachers and math specialists who met to dive deep into our curriculum,” she said. “That collaboration reignited my love of math education and made me realize how much I wanted to grow as a leader.” With encouragement from her principal, Cassandra Willis, and her district math coach, Kathryn Munson, Courtney applied to join CEHD’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership cohort. “The interview was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life, but I hoped they would see how passionate I was about math education. Thankfully, they did.”

Now in her second year of the program, Owen credits her experience with CEHD—and the mentorship of professors like Theresa Wills—with transforming both her confidence and her philosophy of teaching. “Academically, I’ve learned so much about how to make math more equitable and accessible,” she said. “Personally, I’ve grown in confidence as a math leader, thanks to the guidance of my professors and the collaboration within my cohort.” Her enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, and as a new instructional coach, she strives to inspire others to see themselves as capable and creative math educators. “I want every teacher I work with to develop their own positive mathematical identity,” she said. “The knowledge I’ve gained through the program helps me lead with warmth, empathy, and conviction.”

Both educators see the upcoming VACMS Conference as an important opportunity for growth and connection. For Quinn, it’s a chance to reflect on her work and collaborate with other math specialists across the state. For Owen, it’s an opportunity to deepen her focus on social justice in math education and learn from leaders like Nathan Alexander, who will keynote the conference. “The world of education is so much bigger than what’s inside my school building,” Owen said. “Listening and learning with other math leaders will open my thinking and help me find new ways to improve instruction for my students.”

Their shared experiences underscore the purpose of CEHD’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program—to prepare educators not just to teach mathematics, but to lead with expertise, empathy, and vision. “When I joined the program, I felt I had found my people,” Quinn said. “Educators who care deeply about mathematics instruction, about how students feel in math class, and about achieving equitable outcomes for all.” Owen echoes that sentiment, adding, “We need strong math leaders to champion equitable and accessible learning for all students. That’s the heart of this work.”

As the demand for qualified teachers continues to grow and schools seek new ways to build sustainable pipelines of educators, alumni like Farr Quinn and current students like Courtney Owen embody what it means to be future-ready: teachers who are not only shaping minds but also shaping the profession itself. Through their leadership, CEHD’s commitment to preparing exceptional educators continues to ripple far beyond the classroom—reaching every child, every teacher, and every future.

Learn more about CEHD’s Mathematics Specialist Leadership Program and how you can support the next generation of math leaders.