Because teaching mathematics is infinitely complex and requires a lifetime of study and reflection supported by knowledgeable others, mathematics education leaders are an essential component of systems that are taking seriously the call to educate every student... As a regional director, I will work to ensure that opportunities to promote equity are visible and integrated throughout the ongoing work of the Council including: conferences, workshops, and publications. In addition, I will encourage the Council to explore opportunities to collaborate with other interested groups (e.g., TODOS: Mathematics For All, the Benjamin Banneker Association, NCTM) on projects that specifically target the development of high expectations and effective support systems that will ultimately enable all students to become mathematically literate.

I've been a mathematics educator for more than 35 years, and although my job description has shifted from time-to-time, my membership in the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) has remained constant. I first joined NCSM when I became the chair of the high school mathematics department in my hometown. There were only 12 of us in the department, but new responsibilities appeared quickly. For example, I had never organized and facilitated a textbook adoption, nor had to write policy statements for the school board and administration. I quickly learned that NCSM could help me with both and so began my relationship with NCSM.

As a new coordinator for mathematics, in a district five times the size of the one in my hometown, my duties grew to include professional development, mentoring new teachers, and coaching veterans. Again, NCSM was there with resources to support my new work. Eight years ago, my responsibilities expanded again, this time to include support and guidance to mathematics teachers and administrators in 28 school districts. Again, this leadership organization helped me stay on top of the latest in educational research, policies, and programs that I need to do my job both efficiently and effectively.

While my responsibilities and needs have evolved over the course of my career, NCSM resources, including their amazing members, have remained a constant in my arsenal of key assets and relationships.

One other thought, I haven't missed more than one or two national NCSM conferences since I joined the organization and as education becomes more and more complex, I don't intend to stop!