For more than 60 years, the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) has pursued its mission of increasing interest, enjoyment, confidence, and ability in mathematics and computer science among learners and educators in Canada and internationally. Historically, the CEMC began with one contest for students and gradually expanded into a variety of initiatives, including programs for educators, to better support student learning.
Tools and Resources
The CEMC website currently hosts a variety of free resources to support educators including the popular Problem of the Week, Problem of the Month, Problem Set Generator as resources for regular problem solving in the classroom and Courseware as a resource for lessons, activities and practice on topics covered in the Grade 7-12 curriculum. These resources have been carefully designed by experts to help educators with their teaching, providing problem-solving support and activities that they can use in their classrooms. The CEMC’s 16 mathematics and computing contests are written by tens of thousands of students around the world. They help support student engagement and talent development, and past contests are often used by educators to provide their students with more opportunities to hone their skills and try some advanced problem solving.
Professional Development
Beyond the classroom, educators have the chance to attend the CEMC’s Summer Conference for Computer Studies and Mathematics Educators. Running successfully for over 20 years, this conference brings together educators from all over Canada and internationally to the University of Waterloo. This conference usually takes place a few weeks before the school year begins, allowing educators to learn what's new in their field, tackle classroom problems together, and share best practices. A variety of sessions on Computer Studies, Grade 7/8 Mathematics and Grade 9-12 Mathematics run in parallel at the conference, and attendees can choose between sessions based on the grade level, subject, or topic of interest. Sessions are interactive and allow for discussion, debate, and networking. These active learning sessions might focus on pedagogy, enrichment, effective technology implementation, problem solving, curriculum connections, and so much more. Session titles at the 2026 conference range from “Movement and Meditation in the Classroom” to “Combatting Academic Misconduct in the Era of AI” and “Probability, Vectors, Logic, and Cryptography in Quantum Technology” to name a few.
“This was my first time at this summer conference, and it was very refreshing to collaborate face to face with other computer science teachers. The social activities both evenings were very thoughtful. Thanks for the good time and effort put into the organization of this event.”
- Computer Studies Educator from Canada
“This was my second time at the conference. You meet such amazing people from all over the country, and you share great ideas and create a bond with each other. When you go back to school in September, you're just so excited to tackle the year and to be able to apply everything that you learned.”
- Mathematics Educator from Canada
The CEMC also hosts the EFGH Marking event which brings together educators from across Canada to mark the CEMC’s Euclid, and Fryer, Galois, and Hypatia Contests written by students worldwide. This event allows markers to interact with others in the math education community from across Canada and participate in valuable professional development sessions. Participation in the marking events gives math educators the opportunity to assess contest papers of students from outside of their school and even outside of their country, and perhaps learn of different problem-solving approaches and techniques, which can then be taken back to their own classroom.
"These events gave us an opportunity to work alongside people who were our role models in the math world. We were able to share ideas, learn from one another and leave inspired to come back – year after year – and contribute to the CEMC."
- Math Educator from Canada
Further Education
The Master of Mathematics for Teachers (MMT) program offered by the University of Waterloo provides educators with an advanced learning opportunity. The MMT is a fully online, part-time graduate program designed by the CEMC for in-service secondary-school educators around the world. Unlike many education-focused graduate programs, the MMT centres on mathematics and its real-world applications rather than pedagogy, helping teachers strengthen their subject matter expertise. Courses are offered asynchronously, making it possible to study from anywhere while continuing to work full-time.
“The professors delivering the courses were excellent and extremely available and understanding of the wide range of backgrounds of their students... I am a more confident teacher since starting the MMT and find myself often referring to what I have learned.”
- MMT Graduate, Whitehorse, Yukon
Through all of these initiatives, the CEMC aims to build an international community of educators who are confident in their teaching and feel connected to their peers. This commitment is grounded in a simple belief that when educators feel supported and empowered, they are better positioned to help their students succeed.