BOLD Mathematics Leaders,

The research is clear: effective teaching and learning are the engines that drive mathematical proficiency for students. In 2001, the National Research Council published Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics, a seminal report that continues to fundamentally shape our understanding of how students become proficient in mathematics. Rather than mastering isolated skills, the report emphasized that true proficiency emerges from the integration of five interdependent strands: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and a productive disposition toward mathematics.

In the daily rhythm of schools, it can be tempting to lean heavily on just one or two of these strands—often those that are easiest to measure or manage. We may prioritize procedural fluency at the expense of deep reasoning or emphasize problem-solving without cultivating conceptual understanding. But if we are to fulfill our promise of mathematics for all, we must ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop across all five dimensions of mathematical proficiency.

Building on these ideas, NCTM’s Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All (2014) calls on us to champion high-quality, equitable mathematics instruction. This means supporting teachers in implementing the eight effective teaching practices—from posing purposeful questions to supporting productive struggle. It means advocating for coherent curricula, meaningful assessments, and professional learning that empowers educators to teach in ways that reflect the full richness of mathematics.

This is where leadership matters most.

Leadership is not just about setting direction—it’s also about sustaining and achieving vision. Leadership requires bold strokes and long marches. It’s about aligning systems, policies, and practices with what research and experience tell us works for students. While the strands of proficiency and the effective mathematical teaching practices are not new, our role as leaders is to determinedly advocate for and support their implementation. This work is not easy—many of us did not experience this kind of instruction ourselves, our preparation for teaching may or may not have focused on effective instruction, and we face varying levels of resources and support in our schools and districts. But we must hold ourselves accountable to the belief that every student is capable of engaging deeply with mathematics.

Billie Jean King once said “Champions keep playing until they get it right.” We must serve as the champions that are determined to get it right for every student. Let us lead with courage, clarity, and the conviction that all students deserve the full promise of mathematics.

With heartfelt appreciation,

— Katey Arrington, NCSM President

NCSM's vision is to be the premier mathematics education leadership organization, ensuring all students have access to high-quality, equitable mathematical experiences that empower them to use mathematics effectively and improve the world.

Evidence-Based Math Instruction

Registration Open!
NCSM 57th Annual Conference
Rise Up with Bold Mathematics Leadership
Atlanta, GA — October 13–15, 2025

Join NCSM and colleagues from around the world  in Atlanta, Georgia, a city with a deep legacy in civil rights, as we focus on ways to Rise Up with Bold Mathematics Leadership during our 57th annual conference. And, we're thrilled to announce our keynote speakers—Gloria Ladson-Billings and Deborah Peart Crayton! This is a conference you won't want to miss.

Conference sessions will focus on:

• Accelerating Student Learning
• Elevating Mathematics Instruction Through Bold Leadership
• Equity Rising: Transformative Practices in Mathematics Education
• Lifting Teacher Practice Through Coaching

Conference and hotel registrations are now open. Take advantage of early bird rates!

NCSM Conference Extended Sessions

Virtual Summer Series

The Virtual Summer Series is dedicated to equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to support traditionally underserved learners in mathematics. Join passionate math leaders committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning experiences.

The Virtual Summer Series will feature 2-hour virtual sessions that foster meaningful professional learning through collaboration and discussion. 

• July 11: Collaborative Coaching: Rehearsing Routines with Teacher Teams withDr. Nicora Placa
• July 17: Empowering Instructional Leaders: Preparing to Select High Quality Instructional Materials for Mathematics, HQIM-M withAmy Lucenta and Dr. Nicora Placa
• July 29: From Vision to Action: Leading High-Impact Math Instruction withJudy Dunmire and Ian Shenk

Registration is free, and we can't wait to connect! Register now.

Podcast Accolades!

The NCSM Learning With Leaders Podcast has been ranked the #5 Education Leadership Podcast by FeedSpot! Thank you to our listeners for being a part of this journey.

Check out our current series, Everyone Belongs in Mathematics, with hosts Karen Riley Jeffers and Abel Maestas. Recent guests include:

• Yvonne Daniels - "Making a Ruckus—Being an Educational Rebel"
• Marta Garcia - "Redefining Mathematics for Belonging"
• Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership Authors - "Building a Vision for Everyone to Belong"
• Lynne Godfrey - "Teaching Mathematics Like Social Studies"

Listen on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get podcasts.