Gregory Gabriel, a 5th grade math teacher at Winterfield Elementary School of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (NC), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for October 2025. Gabriel is being recognized for his outstanding work in his classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.
Gabriel’s work with Open Up Resources K–5 Math makes him one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The Open Up Resources K–8 Math curriculum inspires a new way of teaching math by transforming classrooms into hives of activity focusing on discussion, questioning, debate, and the deeper conceptual learning of mathematics that follows.
Lance Kanter, a colleague at Winterfield Elementary School, nominated Gabriel for the success he saw in student achievement in his pursuit of all students being supported in mathematics learning in his classroom. Kanter shared, “Mr. Gabriel received about 24% of his students on grade level in 4th grade, and by the [end of the year], he more than doubled that percentage!” Kanter went on to say, “[Mr. Gabriel] teaches the OUR lessons with fidelity… and his relationships with the students and parents are second to none.”
In his nomination, Gabriel shared that one of his favorite things about the curriculum is the noticeable increase in student engagement in learning. He explained, “The activities are highly engaging and encourage students to adopt a growth mindset. I’ll never forget when one student said, ‘I have no idea what to do right now, Mr. Gabriel, but at least my brain is growing.’ That moment captured the essence of what the curriculum promotes: perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to learn through [productive] struggle. Even when students don’t immediately understand, they lean into the challenge, working with peers to figure things out together.
And he shared reflections of the impact of the Open Up Resources K–5 Math curriculum on his own teaching: “Another thing I value about the curriculum is how it challenges me as an educator. Just as my students grow through challenges, I’ve grown as well. Implementing this curriculum has stretched my thinking as a math teacher and equipped me with new strategies to support all my amazing students, regardless of background or ability, in achieving deep understanding. Ultimately, my favorite thing about the curriculum is that it doesn’t just teach math; it builds resilience, curiosity, and confidence in all my amazing students—and challenges me to grow alongside them.”
Open Up Resources is a non-profit publisher in pursuit of delivering the highest quality learning experiences for all students by providing educators best in class, research-based PreK–12 curricula and professional learning so they may support every student’s academic success and create in-class experiences that celebrate, honor, and empower all students. Learn more at www.openupresources.org.