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Drawing on Dewey's concepts and thinking, a middle school mathematics teacher at The School at Columbia University describes her teaching practice and role as a field-based teacher-educator and professional development leader during EdTech Summit Africa. Through a first-person account of her experiences in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, South Africa, the author reflects on how professional development with technology was embraced and illuminates why the development of an international community of practice with primary, secondary, and tertiary teachers is evolving. The article is divided into four sections.

The Great Mathematician Project (GMP) introduces both mathematically sophisticated and struggling students to the history of mathematics. The rationale for the GMP is twofold: first, mathematics is a uniquely people-centered discipline that is used to make sense of the world; and second, students often express curiosity about the history of mathematics and are curious about careers in mathematics-related fields, such as engineering and technology. As middle school students explore how individuals from historically underrepresented groups have made substantive contributions to mathematics and science, their views expand. They learn how sexism and racism have challenged famous mathematicians and scientists alike. With this knowledge, students develop empathy and an appreciation for the processes of collaboration and innovation that characterize the work of mathematicians and scientists. The article directs the student to the seven stages of the GMP and how it helped famous mathematicians and scientists alike learn to face and deal with the challenges of sexism and racism in their field of study. As students embrace the Great Mathematician Project it boosts their research skills and confidence in public speaking while also increasing their understanding of how mathematics is used in the real world.