News from the Far West
Sara Munshin, Western 2 Regional Director
Summer 2010

As we conclude another school year, we congratulate the graduates at various levels and thank the mathematics teachers who helped make their success possible. Summer is a time of reflection and re-creation for many of us. We may need...

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In 2003, I retired after working 36 years in Los Angeles. Half of those years were spent teaching grades 7-12 mathematics in schools with challenges typically faced in diverse urban schools. I had many wonderful experiences learning from my students and my fellow teachers how to be a better teacher. The other years were spent outside of the classroom providing support to classroom teachers. It was during these years that I became aware of NSCM and its resources. Whatever my leadership needs have been, NCSM conferences and publications always seemed to offer new resources that helped me meet them. As NCSM Regional Director, I can continue to act on my belief that one grows as a professional by collaborating with other professionals, as NCSM is the primary organization for mathematics education leaders.

Nancy Drickey, who is in her tenth year of teaching K-12 math methods at the undergraduate level in Oregon, is a strong advocate for membership in professional organizations. She contributed the following; this is her member story.

I strongly believe that teaching is a complex art that becomes more manageable as we seek the support, guidance, and mentoring of others that share common beliefs, challenges, and experiences. In 2001, a friend suggested I join this wonderful organization for leaders in math-NCSM. I attended my first NCSM conference that year and loved it. Since joining NCSM, I have presented at the annual conferences in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. In 2005, I served on the NCSM Election Committee, assisted with the conference exhibit groups, and organized volunteers for the NCSM table at the NCTM conference. Involvement in NCSM has made a tremendous impact on my teaching career.