The Math in the Mountains Teacher Immersion Program is a week-long residential experience for math teachers at all levels—elementary through high school—who want to reconnect with the joy, depth, and creativity of mathematics.

Now in its fourth year, the program will take place June 22-27, 2026 and bring together teachers from across the country for an intensive, collaborative “math circle immersion,” set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Tetons.

This is professional development designed not around lectures or curricula—but around doing mathematics.

What is a teacher immersion program?

Math circles are learning communities that explore mathematics through open-ended problem solving rather than textbooks. Teacher immersion programs take this idea one step further.

For one week, participants step away from daily responsibilities and into a focused, communal environment where they can:

• Work on challenging, beautiful problems they don’t yet know how to solve

• Experience mathematics from the learner’s point of view

• Reflect, collaborate, and rediscover their mathematical identity

Participants often describe the experience as

“a spa for the body and a boot camp for the brain.”

Teachers leave rejuvenated—with new ideas for the classroom, a deeper understanding of problem solving, and a lasting professional community.

Who should attend?

The program is open to any math teacher—elementary, middle, or high school—who is curious, open-minded, and eager to think deeply about mathematics.

Past participants have included:

• Kindergarten and elementary teachers

• Middle and high school teachers

• Math team coaches and math circle leaders

• Teachers from public, private, rural, urban, and tribal schools

A diverse mix of backgrounds is intentional—and central to the experience.

No advanced coursework is required. Comfort with basic algebra and geometry is helpful, but curiosity and willingness to explore matter far more than credentials.

What will we work on?

There are no traditional “classes.”

A typical session begins with one or two deceptively simple questions that open into deep discussion, exploration, and collaboration. Time to think—really think—is valued and protected.

Topics vary year to year, but often include:

• Mathematical magic and puzzles grounded in number theory

• Combinatorial games with rich strategic structure

• Geometric dissections and constructions

• Ideas from topology, number theory, and symmetry that translate naturally into K–12 classrooms

Much of the work connects seemingly unrelated areas of mathematics, revealing surprising unity beneath the surface.

Faculty for 2026 (full bios here):

Paul Zeitz – Founder of Math in the Mountains; longtime leader in math circles and camps; author of The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Beth Malmskog – Associate Professor of Mathematics, Colorado College; chief instructor of the Teacher Immersion Program

Jason Horowitz – Chair of Mathematics, Proof School; educator and computer scientist

Avery Pickford — Math teacher and long-time problem-solver passionate about exploring playful, community-centered approaches to mathematics with learners of all ages.

Brandy Wiegers — Associate Professor of Mathematics, College of Idaho; leader in math circles, advancing student exploration, and professional community-building in mathematics.

Aaron Hill — Math teacher, Proof School; educator with experience in university teaching and research

Location

The program is hosted in collaboration with Teton Science Schools, at their Kelly Campus in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—located inside Grand Teton National Park.

The campus is minutes from the Jackson Hole airport and offers a rare combination of:

• World-class educational facilities

• On-site lodging and dining

• Immediate access to hiking, wildlife, and outdoor exploration

Schedule at a Glance

Participants arrive Monday, June 22, with formal sessions running Tuesday through Friday. Departure is Saturday, June 27.

A typical day includes:

• Morning and late-morning math sessions

• A long midday break for hiking, reflection, and informal collaboration

• Afternoon sessions that are often hands-on

• Evening games, puzzles, and community time

The rhythm is intentionally spacious, balancing deep intellectual work with time outdoors.

Cost & Support

The program fee (covering lodging, meals, and instruction) is approximately $1,700, not including travel.

Thanks to generous donor support, financial assistance has been available to all who need it in prior years, and we expect similar support in 2026. Participants are also encouraged to seek partial funding from their schools or districts when possible.

Professional Development Credit

The program includes 20+ hours of intensive instruction, not including independent work. Documentation can be provided to support professional development credit, subject to district approval.

What Teachers Say

“The best professional development I’ve ever attended… being given time to wonder, marvel, and think deeply about math concepts.”
— High School Math Teacher, Montana

“It reignited my joy and confidence as a mathematician. Truly transformative.”
— Elementary Teacher, Missouri

“Unlike any other program—deep collaboration, breathtaking setting, and real mathematical thinking.”
— High School Teacher, California

Apply

To begin the application process (including for returning participants), please complete the application form.

For questions, contact Paul Zeitz directly.

The MitM Teacher Immersion Program would not be possible without the support of Teton Science Schools, The American Institute of Mathematics, and numerous individual donors.