All areas outside of the US and Canada

Address
315 Olde Chapel Tr
Pittsburgh PA 15238

Phone
(412) 963-2929

Fax
(412) 963-2929 (CALL FIRST)

Cell
(412) 401-8679

Email

Diane J. Briars

Mathematics Education Consultant

Personal Message

I'm extremely honored to be President of this wonderful, important organization and have the opportunity to keep NCSM moving forward. Over the past years, we've made enormous progress with the publication of the PRIME Leadership Framework and Improving Student Achievement position papers. As President, one of my major goals is for NCSM to be recognized as an equity organization-that is, one that is actively working to ensure that all students experience high-quality mathematics curriculum, teaching, assessment, and technology, along with other supports that contribute to high achievement-as well as one that promotes and supports mathematics leadership and provides high-quality professional learning opportunities.

NCSM is committed to equity, access, and high achievement for all students. Although our Mission and Vision statements, the PRIME Leadership Framework, and our position papers clearly articulate NCSM's commitment to equity, and equity is an important on-going initiative in our strategic plan, we have more work to do to broadly communicate this message and take actions that make equity visible as a core value of our organization and our work.

I'm committed to working with the Board to strengthen NCSM and support its mission to provide professional learning opportunities for mathematics education leaders that support and sustain improved student achievement.

First, NCSM must "go beyond the S" in our name and actively reach out to individuals who are mathematics education leaders, but would not automatically think to join an organization for "supervisors" or "leaders," such as, mathematics coaches, teacher leaders, and administrators at all levels with responsibilities for mathematics teaching and learning (e.g., principals, curriculum coordinators). In particular, NCSM is committed to becoming the primary professional organization for mathematics coaches and those who support and prepare them. Look for the new "Coaches Corner" in our newsletter and the "Coaches Corner" pages of our redesigned website. They will provide materials, resources, and discussions specifically related to coaching.

Second, NCSM will expand its networking and collaboration with other organizations, especially other mathematics and mathematics education organizations, to improve the quality of mathematics education. This includes specific efforts to work with the US Department of Education in their educational improvement efforts.

Third, we're improving and expanding our web-based communications. NCSM is now subscribed to Twitter, LinkedIn, RSS and Delicious. Take advantage of these online social networks to communicate with other mathematics education leaders and keep up-to-date on new developments.

Last, but certainly not least, we will continue to communicate the latest research and implications for practice through our journals, conferences, and position papers. A number of new position papers are in development, including ones on technology and early childhood education, the latter in conjunction with the new National Research Council report, Mathematics in Early Childhood: Learning Paths Toward Excellence and Equity.

I'm very much looking forward to working with and for all of you over the next two years. NCSM is your organization. Please get involved and help NCSM become a stronger and better support to you as a mathematics education leader.