In the heart of Mercer County, West Virginia, two passionate educators are proving that when teachers support teachers, everyone wins—especially students.

Jessica Thomas of Bluefield High School and Laiken Lucas of Princeton Middle School have taken on inspiring roles as Math Teacher Leaders in the Mountaineer Mathematics Master Teachers program, known as M3T. This innovative initiative represents something truly special: a teacher-led movement that's transforming math education across the entire state.

Since its launch in 2018, M3T has blossomed into a powerful Network Improvement Community, bringing together educators who share a common goal of making math more accessible and engaging for every student. The program has already touched the lives of more than 300 teachers spanning 37 districts, creating ripples of positive change that have reached over 30,000 students throughout West Virginia.

What makes this approach so effective is its foundation in real classroom experiences. Rather than top-down mandates, Math Teacher Leaders like Thomas and Lucas work shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues, identifying actual challenges they face daily. Together, they explore research-based strategies, implement them in short classroom cycles, and carefully measure the results. This collaborative model ensures that professional development stays grounded in the authentic needs of teachers and students.

The results speak volumes about the program's success. Participating districts have celebrated an impressive 11.1% increase in eighth-grade math proficiency over just four years—more than double the 4.7% increase seen in districts not yet part of the program. These numbers represent real students gaining confidence and competence in mathematics, opening doors to future opportunities.

Perhaps even more heartening is the impact on teachers themselves. An overwhelming 94% of participating educators report that their instructional practice has improved through M3T. Additionally, 65% express plans to remain in the teaching profession long term—a retention rate that significantly exceeds statewide estimates. In an era when teacher burnout makes headlines, this program is creating a community where educators feel supported, valued, and energized about their work.

For Mercer County, having Thomas and Lucas in these leadership roles means bringing cutting-edge strategies and proven methods directly back home. They'll lead professional learning sessions, provide coaching to their peers, and help build sustainable systems that ensure continuous improvement in math instruction for years to come.

This story beautifully illustrates what's possible when we invest in teachers and trust their expertise. By creating networks where educators learn from each other, share successes, and tackle challenges together, West Virginia is building a brighter future—one math lesson, one classroom, and one inspired teacher at a time.

The ripple effects of Thomas and Lucas's work will be felt not just in test scores, but in the confidence of students who once thought they "weren't math people," in the renewed enthusiasm of teachers rediscovering their passion, and in communities strengthened by excellent education.