As my term as President of NCSM comes to a close, I find myself reflecting deeply on the incredible journey we’ve shared. Leading this organization has been the greatest honor, and it is with profound gratitude that I write this final message to you—the BOLD math education leaders of NCSM.

These are challenging times. The landscape of education is shifting beneath our feet, and the work we do has never been more urgent. But as I look around at the incredible leaders who make up NCSM, I am filled with hope. You are the ones who show up every day to make a difference for educators and students. You are the ones who push boundaries, challenge inequities, and inspire others to believe in the transformative power of mathematics education. Your work makes a lasting difference in the world.

As I shared when I began my presidency, I was moved when I read Michael J. Fox’s response to a question about how he stays optimistic with the challenges he has faced. He said, “With gratitude, optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be grateful for, then you'll find something to look forward to and you carry on.”

Today, I overflow with gratitude—for your unwavering commitment, your courage, and your belief in the power of mathematics to change lives. It is because of you that I am optimistic about our future. Together, we are not just imagining a better world for our students; we are creating it.

At the same time, I recognize that optimism alone is not enough. Angela Davis reminds us to embrace our power and take action to create change. She said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept.” 

This call to action resonates deeply with me, and I hope it does with you as well. We cannot accept inequities in our education systems. We cannot accept barriers that prevent students from seeing themselves as capable mathematicians. And we cannot accept anything less than excellence in the work we do. Together, we must persevere, lean into the discomfort of change and improvement, do what we know is right, and change the things we cannot accept.

While my time as President is ending, I want to assure you that I am not going far. I will continue to work alongside you all, shoulder to shoulder, as we strive to make a difference for educators and students. My belief in NCSM, in our community, in mathematics education leaders, and in the transformative power of our collective efforts remains as strong as ever.

Thank you for your support of NCSM, for your partnership in this important and difficult work, and for the amazing work you do every single day. Your leadership, passion, and dedication inspire me beyond words. As we move forward, I urge you to stay strong, to embrace the power of collaboration, and to keep pushing for the changes our students and educators deserve.

With endless gratitude and hope for the impact we continue to make,

— 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.

See You Soon!

The Atlanta Conference is right around the corner, and we can't wait to see you there.

We will Rise Up with Bold Mathematics Leadership during our 57th annual conference, beginning Monday, October 13. 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 registration is still open.

Get prepared by downloading the Conference App. Scan the QR code or click here to download. Thank you to our sponsor Savvas Learning Company.

Keynote Speakers

This conference will be filled with amazing voices, learning, and connection. And, we're thrilled to welcome keynote speakers—Gloria Ladson-Billings and Deborah Peart Crayton!

In our opening keynote, we will explore what it means to be Playing the Numbers with Gloria Ladson-Billings:

Decades of mathematics assessment reveal disparities in performance among various groups of students. These disparities are neither normal nor immutable. Thirty years of asset based approaches to pedagogy suggest that we have the ability to reverse this trend and ensure all students develop the kind of mathematical literacy that is necessary in the 21st century.

And, in our closing keynote, we will affirm that we are Born a Mather with Deborah Peart Crayton:

Given our inborn affinity for patterns, shapes, and number sense in general, math more than the other subjects should be at the heart of our academic identities, but it is quite the opposite for many students. Unfortunately, school is often the place where math dreams come to die. Children are often forced to abandon sense-making in exchange for rules and procedures, and mathematics becomes an unfamiliar thing that is not for everyone. Curiosity, creativity, and joy should be at the center of mathematics in education. Children are counting on us to write the counter narrative about what it means to be “good at math.” It is time for math dreams to flourish and every student to confidently embrace the idea that they are Born Mathers!

Reserve Conference Ticketed Events

We've got fantastic meals and evening events scheduled during the conference! Meals include lunch on Monday, sponsored by the Charles A. Dana Center, and breakfast on Tuesday, sponsored by Imagine Learning. Our Monday evening reception includes a screening of the documentary Counted Out, and Tuesday evening we'll be putting our math skills to the test at Casino Night, sponsored by Texas Instruments.

Reserve your meals and receptions before they're gone!
Select Meals in your attendee portal by logging in, then clicking on "Activities" → "Meal Functions and Receptions" → "Update".
Note: Tickets are non-refundable. Dietary restrictions are requested for plated meals only as other meals and receptions will offer a variety of options to suit dietary needs.

Pre-Conference Sessions

Enhance your NCSM conference learning experience by signing up to attend one of our special Sunday afternoon pre-conference sessions for leaders aligned to the conference theme and strands.

These pre-conference sessions are a great way to kick off your conference experience, network with other leaders and take a deeper dive into our recent work and Essential Actions Series from NCSM.

• Workshop 1: Rise Up: Bold Leadership to Elevate Mathematics Instruction

• Workshop 2: Rising Up: Lifting Teacher Practice Through Coaching

• Workshop 3: Rise Up: Leading From the Classroom

• First-Time Attendee Orientation

• Boldly Leading NCSM Affiliates: Rising to the challenges of affiliate leadership

Pre-conference registration is open now.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

We highly value the relationship we have forged with sponsor organizations and companies over the years. They share our passion for mathematics education and each of their educational visions complements NCSM’s mission and vision for mathematics education leadership.

On behalf of NCSM members, we thank our sponsors for their generous contributions. Click the logos below to learn more about our sponsors.

Coming Soon:

2026 Conference Proposals

Already thinking about topics to share with other math education leaders in 2026? Conference Proposal submissions for the 2026 NCSM Annual Conference in Denver will open on October 15.

More information coming soon!

Coming Soon:

2026 Board Nominations

Nominations for the president-elect (who will serve as the next president) and several other board positions will open soon. Serving on the NCSM Board is a way for you to support emerging mathematics education leaders, drive change in the field, and give back to this BOLD community.

2026 Board Nominations will open on October 15. Open positions include:

• President Elect
• Second Vice President
• Regional Director, Central 2 (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
• Regional Director, Eastern 2 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia)
• Regional Director, Western 2 (California, Far West: American Samoa, Federated States (Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Island, Palau Islands), Hawaii, Military AP: AFO/FPO, Oregon, Washington)

Nominations will be open from October 15–November 15. More information will be shared on our website next week.

Exciting Update: Presidential Stipend Approved for 2027-2029!

We’re pleased to announce that our board has voted to establish a yearly stipend of $35,000 (paid in monthly installments) for the president elected in this cycle who will serve their term as president 2027-2029. This temporary measure is designed to support the growing demands and responsibilities of our organization’s leadership as we expand in size and impact. We recognize the importance of strategic leadership and are actively working toward a more permanent compensation structure for future presidents, so stay tuned! 

Eligibility Reminder: Only current or previous board members are eligible to run for president. If presidential leadership is something you might consider for your long-term goals, now is the perfect time to get involved.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission and growth!