Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms Wins APEX Grand Prize

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms by Pam Harris has been awarded the prestigious APEX Grand Prize for Publication Excellence.

This recognition is more than an award. It is a celebration of a movement that is helping educators rethink mathematics and mathematics instruction and create classrooms where students reason deeply, make sense of mathematics, and develop lasting confidence.

Why This Award Matters

The APEX Awards for Publication Excellence are among the most respected publishing awards in North America. Each year, they recognize outstanding work in publishing, writing, design, and communications. The Grand Prize is the highest honor awarded and recognizes publications that demonstrate exceptional quality, impact, and effectiveness.

For Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms to receive this distinction is a powerful affirmation of the work being done in classrooms every day to move mathematics teaching beyond procedures and toward genuine understanding.

At a time when educators are seeking ways to help students think more deeply, solve problems more flexibly, and develop positive mathematical identities, this recognition shines a spotlight on the importance of mathematical reasoning as the foundation of meaningful mathematics learning.

A Book Born from a Mission

For decades, Pam Harris has challenged the idea that mathematics is primarily about memorizing steps and executing procedures.

Instead, she has championed a different vision: one where students learn to reason, make connections, and build relationships among mathematical ideas that allow them to solve problems with confidence and flexibility.

Developing Mathematical Reasoning: Avoiding the Trap of Algorithms captures that vision. The book combines research, classroom experience, and practical instructional guidance to help educators create learning environments where students are actively reasoning the way mathematicians do, making sense of mathematics rather than simply following directions.

At its core, the book asks educators to consider a transformative question:

What if our goal wasn't simply to help students get answers, but to help them math like  mathematicians?

That question has resonated with educators around the world and has become the driving force behind a growing movement to teach mathematics through reasoning, relationships, and understanding.

This Award Belongs to Many People

While Pam Harris is the author, this achievement reflects the contributions of an incredible community of people who have helped bring these ideas to life.

We are deeply grateful to Corwin Press for their partnership, support, and commitment to publishing resources that help educators transform teaching and learning. Their belief in this work has helped bring mathematical reasoning to classrooms across the globe.

We also want to thank coauthor Cameron Harris, the editors, designers, reviewers, production team, and everyone behind the scenes who contributed their expertise, creativity, and dedication throughout the publishing process. Creating a book that reaches and impacts educators at this level is always a collaborative effort.

Most importantly, we want to thank the thousands of educators who have embraced these ideas and committed themselves to improving their craft. Every teacher, coach, administrator, and leader who has been willing to rethink long-held assumptions about mathematics instruction has played a role in this achievement.

This award belongs to all of you.

Every classroom conversation that prioritized student thinking. Every Problem String that sparked new understanding. Every lesson redesigned to focus on relationships instead of rules. Every educator who chose to keep learning and growing.

You are the reason this work matters.

Looking Ahead

The conversation around developing mathematical reasoning continues to grow, and this award reinforces what educators are seeing every day: when students are given opportunities to reason, make connections, and think mathematically, they can achieve far more than we often expect.

At Math is FigureOutAble, we remain committed to supporting educators on that journey and providing resources that help make powerful mathematics teaching both practical and achievable.

And the journey doesn't stop with one book.

Educators can continue their learning through the growing Developing Mathematical Reasoning series, including:

• Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades K–2
• Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades 3–5
• Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades 6–8 (coming Fall 2026)
• Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades 9–12 (coming Early 2027)

Together, these resources provide educators with a comprehensive roadmap for developing mathematical reasoning across every grade band.

Explore the Developing Mathematical Reasoning Book Series

Whether you're discovering these ideas for the first time or continuing your journey as a mathematics educator, the Developing Mathematical Reasoning series offers practical guidance, powerful insights, and classroom-ready strategies to help students become confident and capable mathematicians.

Explore the complete Developing Mathematical Reasoning book series and find the resources that fit your grade level and goals.