Iris Carl had a tremendous impact on the lives of students, parents, teachers, college educators, school administrators, and politicians. Her vision and ideals helped to shape NCTM and math education in the United States for the better. Carl's leadership brought needed change to math education and provides an example for all those who follow her.
The annual Iris M. Carl Equity Address was established to underscore the crucial need for collective action in advancing understanding of equality and equity in education. Inaugurated in 2008, the address commemorates Iris Carl's lifelong commitment to educational equity and celebrates the vision and inspiration that she provided for achieving the goal of "more and better mathematics for all children." Each year a distinguished scholar who is recognized for leadership and action related to equality in mathematics education is invited to deliver this featured address.