Fall 2026
Three Ways to Connect, Learn, and Grow with NCTM
One of the best things about being part of SDCTM is that we're also connected to a much larger community of mathematics educators through NCTM.
Here are three ways to take advantage of that community.
1. Experience an NCTM Conference
The 2026 NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition is coming to Denver, October 28–31. NCTM expects thousands of mathematics educators from around the country and world, with 650+ sessions planned. If you've never attended an NCTM conference, put one on your professional bucket list! There's something energizing about spending a few days surrounded by thousands of people who are excited about teaching and learning mathematics. You'll come home with new activities, new ideas, new connections—and usually a renewed excitement for what you do.
If you can't go to Denver this year, no problem! Start closer to home! The 2027 SD STEM Ed Conference, hosted by SDCTM and SDSTA, will be February 4–6 in Huron. It's a great opportunity to learn from and connect with other math and STEM educators right here in South Dakota.
2. Try KenKen!
Looking for a great way to get students thinking? Give KenKen a try. KenKen puzzles combine arithmetic with logic and problem solving. NCTM has highlighted KenKen as a way to challenge students' logical thinking while reinforcing mathematical reasoning, and they've created a page on their website with the game.
These puzzles can make a great warm-up, early-finisher activity, or quick opportunity for students to persevere, look for patterns, and talk about their strategies. I love these types of games/puzzles for making math fun and getting students to THINK!
3. Get Involved!
NCTM isn't just a collection of resources—it's a community, and there are lots of ways to become more involved. NCTM encourages educators to attend conferences, contribute classroom ideas and lessons, write for NCTM publications, and connect with other mathematics educators.
You don't have to be a researcher or a national math expert to contribute. Classroom teachers have experiences, activities, questions, and ideas worth sharing. Visit the NCTM Get Involved page to learn about the opportunities.
One of the best things about being part of SDCTM is that we're also connected to a much larger community of mathematics educators through NCTM.
Here are three ways to take advantage of that community.
1. Experience an NCTM Conference
The 2026 NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition is coming to Denver, October 28–31. NCTM expects thousands of mathematics educators from around the country and world, with 650+ sessions planned. If you've never attended an NCTM conference, put one on your professional bucket list! There's something energizing about spending a few days surrounded by thousands of people who are excited about teaching and learning mathematics. You'll come home with new activities, new ideas, new connections—and usually a renewed excitement for what you do.
If you can't go to Denver this year, no problem! Start closer to home! The 2027 SD STEM Ed Conference, hosted by SDCTM and SDSTA, will be February 4–6 in Huron. It's a great opportunity to learn from and connect with other math and STEM educators right here in South Dakota.
2. Try KenKen!
Looking for a great way to get students thinking? Give KenKen a try. KenKen puzzles combine arithmetic with logic and problem solving. NCTM has highlighted KenKen as a way to challenge students' logical thinking while reinforcing mathematical reasoning, and they've created a page on their website with the game.
These puzzles can make a great warm-up, early-finisher activity, or quick opportunity for students to persevere, look for patterns, and talk about their strategies. I love these types of games/puzzles for making math fun and getting students to THINK!
3. Get Involved!
NCTM isn't just a collection of resources—it's a community, and there are lots of ways to become more involved. NCTM encourages educators to attend conferences, contribute classroom ideas and lessons, write for NCTM publications, and connect with other mathematics educators.
You don't have to be a researcher or a national math expert to contribute. Classroom teachers have experiences, activities, questions, and ideas worth sharing. Visit the NCTM Get Involved page to learn about the opportunities.
Spring 2026
- New Position Statement: Universal Screeners
- NCTM Advocacy News Newsletter - December 2025 - scroll down and you'll see infographics on High School Math Pathways and Procedural Fluency.
- Conferences & Professional Development - This page have information on the upcoming conferences in Indianapolis, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Denver.
Fall 2025
Quick Refresher: What is NCTM?
I know most of you are already in the know, but here’s a quick reminder about the organization that supports us all. Founded back in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the largest professional group for math educators in the world. Their mission is straightforward: to champion high-quality math teaching and learning for every single student. They are the public voice for math education, offering leadership, professional development, and research to help PK-12 teachers in the classroom.
Learn more: www.nctm.org
I know most of you are already in the know, but here’s a quick reminder about the organization that supports us all. Founded back in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the largest professional group for math educators in the world. Their mission is straightforward: to champion high-quality math teaching and learning for every single student. They are the public voice for math education, offering leadership, professional development, and research to help PK-12 teachers in the classroom.
Learn more: www.nctm.org
New Position Statement: Shifting Our Math Culture
NCTM recently released a new position statement, "Changing the Professional Culture of Teaching Mathematics" (June 2025). This position statement challenges us to fundamentally change how math is taught and how students view it. The main idea is that math shouldn't be a gatekeeper that limits students. It should be an empowering, collaborative, and fair experience for everyone. It's a quick read, and it's a great piece to reflect on as you shape the environment and goals for your own math classroom this year.
Learn more: https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Position-Statements/Changing-the-Professional-Culture-of-Teaching-Mathematics/
NCTM recently released a new position statement, "Changing the Professional Culture of Teaching Mathematics" (June 2025). This position statement challenges us to fundamentally change how math is taught and how students view it. The main idea is that math shouldn't be a gatekeeper that limits students. It should be an empowering, collaborative, and fair experience for everyone. It's a quick read, and it's a great piece to reflect on as you shape the environment and goals for your own math classroom this year.
Learn more: https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Position-Statements/Changing-the-Professional-Culture-of-Teaching-Mathematics/
Opportunity: Listen to the "Adding It All Up" Podcast
Looking for a little professional learning on the go? NCTM launched a great podcast series in 2024 called "Adding It All Up." The podcast is hosted by former and current NCTM presidents. The episodes tackle current topics, insights, and new trends in math education. They cover practical things like:
Learn more: https://nctm.buzzsprout.com/2319425
Looking for a little professional learning on the go? NCTM launched a great podcast series in 2024 called "Adding It All Up." The podcast is hosted by former and current NCTM presidents. The episodes tackle current topics, insights, and new trends in math education. They cover practical things like:
- Starting the school year strong
- Building welcoming classroom communities
- Integrating data science and data literacy
- Advocating for better math access
Learn more: https://nctm.buzzsprout.com/2319425
Classroom Tool: Engaging "Notice & Wonder" Lessons
If you’re looking to spark curiosity, check out NCTM’s collection of Notice & Wonder lessons. If you haven't used the Notice and Wonder routine, it is pretty simple. You show your students an interesting photo or video and ask them, "What do you notice?" and "What do you wonder?" The goal is to get students thinking like mathematicians and seeing the world through a mathematical lens. NCTM has put together some really engaging images and videos that I think your students will like. I recommend taking a few minutes to explore these free resources.
Learn more: https://www.nctm.org/noticeandwonder/
If you’re looking to spark curiosity, check out NCTM’s collection of Notice & Wonder lessons. If you haven't used the Notice and Wonder routine, it is pretty simple. You show your students an interesting photo or video and ask them, "What do you notice?" and "What do you wonder?" The goal is to get students thinking like mathematicians and seeing the world through a mathematical lens. NCTM has put together some really engaging images and videos that I think your students will like. I recommend taking a few minutes to explore these free resources.
Learn more: https://www.nctm.org/noticeandwonder/
This page was created to support the SDCTM Newsletter. I have the NCTM representative for SDCTM. If you have questions, reach out me.
Kevin Smith
[email protected]
Instagram: instagram.com/kevinsmithsd
Kevin Smith
[email protected]
Instagram: instagram.com/kevinsmithsd
