Project EMBER
Eliminating Mathematics Barriers through Evidence-based Reforms
An emerging movement to ​​eliminate the most significant academic barrier to undergraduate student success – introductory mathematics. We aim to empower teaching-focused faculty at research institutions to adapt evidence-based reforms in introductory mathematics, track progress to improve overall student success and eliminate equity gaps, all in collaboration with departmental and institutional leaders. The project is jointly run by TPSE, APLU, and UERU. For more – including how to get involved – scroll on.
VISION
Every higher education math student succeeds in introductory mathematics aligned with their interests and aspirations.​​
Project EMBER is a collaborative initiative between TPSE Math and APLU, and UERU.
Current Ways to Get Involved
Explore the map to learn more about each project—click on each box to explore further.
EMBER Community of Teaching-Focused Faculty on Zulip.
450 faculty – mostly teaching-focused faculty at research institutions – are exchanging ideas, supporting each other, and holding themed virtual meet-ups all about better supporting students in intro math. Join the fun! (Zulip is a threaded discussion platform like Slack, but with better security and the ability to display LaTeX.)
Moving to Action: Evidence-based reform for 8 research institutions
Selected institutions will join a 15-month pilot (July 2026–September 2027) focused on analyzing student success data, conducting departmental self-assessments, developing action plans, and beginning implementation of evidence-based reforms. Participating institutions will receive guidance from experienced consultants, access to research-backed tools and resources, connection to a national learning community, and an $8,000 stipend. Applications close May 8th
A New Lever for Change: Teaching-Focused Faculty
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The rise of teaching focused faculty (TFF) at these institutions has created a new avenue for reform. These full-time faculty now run the introductory mathematics programs at most research institutions. They train, coordinate, and lead the armies of teaching assistants, adjuncts, and postdocs who serve as classroom instructors.
These TFF faculty by themselves are unlikely to implement change on the scale needed to achieve our vision. We aim to empower them as change agents by providing them knowledge of proven innovations, giving them legitimacy by working with departmental leaders, connecting them with vital resources by bringing institutional leaders (deans and provosts) to the table, and giving them needed support by connecting them with a network of like-minded TFF reformers across the country.
Spreading EMBERs.
EMPOWER Teaching Focused Faculty (TFF) at research institutions as change agents by providing them with critical tools and resources.
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ENGAGE institutional administrator and math department leaders in supporting reform efforts.
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ASSEMBLE vertically integrated teams at research institutions anchored by TFF, with representation from relevant stakeholders.​
CREATE a robust network of 50-100 institutional teams, creating a platform to exchange ideas and share resources.
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IMPLEMENT research-backed innovations (e.g. math pathways, corequisite supports, active learning pedagogies) at institutions throughout the network.​
CATALYZE change through the higher education system through institutional permission-giving, effective preparation of future faculty and the shifting of cultural norms across the mathematical sciences.
Coming Soon: EMBER Tools
Click on the boxes below and you can access the EMBER tools.The Self-Assessment Tool is a quick diagnostic that helps institutions assess readiness for math pathway reform, identify strengths and gaps, and generate a personalized action plan to support equity-focused student success .The EMBER Guidebook offers step-by-step guidance with practical strategies, case examples, and tools to help campus teams implement and sustain research-based innovations.The Innovation Overviews provide brief, modular summaries of proven approaches in gateway math, featuring real examples, key lessons, and research to support scalable implementation . Tools coming soon !
Meet Our Leadership Team
Dave Kung
TPSE MATH
Megan Tesene
APLU
Howard Gobstein
APLU
Scott Wolpert
TPSE MATH
Chris Rasmussen
SDSU
Debra Carney
Colorado School of Mines
Mary Pilgrim
SDSU
Gavin LaRose
University of Michigan
