#United States #Los Angeles #education leadership #Math for America #Darryl Yong

Math for America Los Angeles Names Dr. Darryl Yong Executive Director

On September 2, 2026, Math for America Los Angeles (MƒA LA) officially announced the appointment of co-founder Dr. Darryl Yong as its new Executive Director. Dr. Yong, who has been a pivotal part of the organization since its creation, will now lead efforts to expand the fellowship program and bolster the impact of research within Southern California's educational landscape.

Since its foundation in 2008 through a strategic alliance involving Claremont Graduate University, Harvey Mudd College, and the University of Southern California, MƒA LA has focused on addressing pervasive issues within urban STEM education. By strategically investing in experienced math and computer science educators, the organization seeks to tackle systemic challenges head-on.

Under Dr. Yong's leadership, MƒA LA aims to implement an ambitious strategic plan to enhance its school-based team model, which has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among educators in public schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Furthermore, it seeks to develop robust research infrastructure to influence broader public education policies.

“Math for America Los Angeles was founded on the premise that exceptional teachers are key drivers for transformative educational change,” Dr. Yong stated. “By supporting dedicated educators with deep professional communities, ample collaboration time, financial incentives, and coaching, we can retain skilled teachers in the classrooms. These educators can then become leaders within their departments, thereby improving learning experiences for countless students. I am truly honored to lead MƒA LA into this next phase, expanding our fellowship model across the region.”

Dr. Yong personifies a unique blend of academic depth, fundraising capabilities, and firsthand teaching experience. He is currently the McGregor-Girand Chair in STEM Equity Innovation and Research at Harvey Mudd College, where he serves as a Professor of Mathematics. Additionally, he has successfully garnered five grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), totaling an impressive $17 million, which have been vital in supporting MƒA LA's peer-driven professional development framework. Demonstrating his genuine devotion to teaching, Dr. Yong dedicated a year-long sabbatical to teach high school mathematics alongside MƒA LA fellows, gaining practical insights into contemporary classroom dynamics.

Dr. Yong is succeeding Pam Mason, the co-founder and former Executive Director, who was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2002. Under the guidance of both Mason and Yong, MƒA LA has positively impacted hundreds of teacher fellows at nearly 40 public schools within the region. The fellowship structure mandates educators to apply in school-based cohorts rather than as individual candidates, ensuring the retention of instructional expertise and the prestige of National Board Certification within school departments.

Aaron Sosnick, a member of the MƒA LA Advisory Board, remarked, “Darryl Yong’s unwavering commitment to teacher leadership and a focus on educational equity makes him the perfect individual to guide MƒA LA’s advancements.” He emphasized that Yong’s vision will ensure that a larger number of public school teachers in Los Angeles receive the acknowledgment, respect, and continuous support they deserve.

To learn more about Math for America Los Angeles, its leadership, or the teacher fellowship programs offered, visit mfala.org.

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About Math for America Los Angeles

Math for America Los Angeles (MƒA LA) is dedicated to supporting, developing, and sustaining exceptional mathematics and computer science teachers in public schools across the greater Los Angeles area. Through a combination of annual stipends, rich professional development opportunities, instructional coaching, and a collaborative school-based team model, MƒA LA empowers accomplished educators to thrive in their roles, remain in the classroom, and catalyze systemic changes within their respective schools.