On May 5, PowerMyLearning’s community gathered in New York City to celebrate what’s possible when students are empowered to think deeply, explain their reasoning, and see themselves as mathematicians.
The 2026 Innovative Learning Awards brought together educators, families, partners, and supporters committed to strengthening math learning nationwide. Together, we surpassed our fundraising goal through sponsorships, ticket sales, and in-room donations, helping expand MathVoice to more classrooms across the country.
Guests heard directly from students and teachers, explored how MathVoice is helping make student thinking visible in entirely new ways, and connected with a community of leaders committed to reimagining what’s possible in math learning.
Experience a first grade classroom at one of our partner schools in Texas, where students are building confidence through math discourse and teachers are gaining deeper insight into student thinking.
For years, math instruction has focused primarily on whether students get the answer right. What it often misses is how students are thinking. That is the gap PowerMyLearning is working to close.
As CEO Arun Ramanathan shared during the program:
“We are not just looking at whether students got the answer right. We are understanding how they got there. That shift changes everything. When teachers can hear and analyze student thinking, they can respond more precisely and support deeper understanding.”
Across classrooms using MathVoice, students are talking through their reasoning, building confidence, and engaging more deeply in math learning. At the same time, teachers are gaining insight they did not have before.
We were especially proud to honor an exemplary student–teacher–parent trio from one of our longtime New York City partners, P.S. 70Q, a school community that exemplifies what’s possible when strong instruction, family partnership, and student confidence come together.
This year’s Teacher of the Year, Joanna Demetropoulos-Filippidis, reflected on how MathVoice is transforming the way her second graders experience math:
“When a student explains their ‘how’ and ‘why,’ I become a better teacher and they become better problem solvers and thinkers. Math is no longer a silent, solitary struggle. That shift is showing up in student confidence, participation, and understanding.”
The evening also highlighted the critical role families play in student success. Learning grows stronger when math conversations continue beyond the classroom and families are actively engaged in the process.
Second grade student honoree Vasiliki (“Vicky”) captured the impact best:
“MathVoice activities allow me to express my thinking and understand problems better.”
Vicky’s parent, Christiana, shared how these conversations are building confidence and persistence at home by encouraging students to explain their reasoning rather than simply focus on getting the right answer.
As conversations around AI in education continue to grow, the evening served as an important reminder: technology should deepen human connection and understanding, not replace it.
We were proud to honor Robert (“Bob”) Hughes with the Changemaker in Education Award for his leadership advancing math education and thoughtful innovation in AI and learning.
Bob’s remarks reinforced a central theme of the evening: the future of learning depends on keeping students, teachers, and families at the center. He shared:
“A teacher who knows what each child is actually thinking. A family that is involved. A student who has support to keep going. That is the foundation that makes meaningful learning possible.”
📸 Check out photos from the evening in our event photo album. Share your favorite moments on LinkedIn and tag @PowerMyLearning!
💜 Help bring MathVoice to more classrooms nationwide by making a donation.