I began my teaching career as a middle school maths teacher and after several years in the classroom I had the opportunity to move into my first maths coaching position; I was so excited. Nearly as soon as I started, I realized I did not know what I was doing. It was that classic case of moving from being an effective educator to being a novice and inexperienced instructional coach; working with and supporting students is so very different than adults.
And while I was a member of other leading mathematics teaching organization, I was not aware of NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education or how badly I needed them. But one day, I came across the NCSM website and my life changed on the spot. The books, journal articles, position papers and other materials from them instantly became part of my daily work and it was then I knew I found “my group;” the people who did my work and were concerned about the same things I had on my mind with supporting maths leaders.
Since then, I have transitioned to supporting and developing educational leaders across the country and around the globe. From teaching and advising undergraduate students and collaborating with maths leaders seeking advanced degrees in the United States to supporting and advising districts, school leaders, and classroom experts in the Middle East, Asia, across North America and the Caribbean, NCSM continues to provide the guidance and support I need to help others grow as professionals. And for that, I am forever grateful.
