Dr. Barba Patton, assistant professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Houston-Victoria, recently joined other mathematics educators from across the United States and Canada at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Affiliate Leaders Conference in Manchester, N.H. Bearing the theme “Leadership for Leaders,” the conference included a variety of leadership-enhancing professional activities for mathematics educators that promoted a commitment to improving mathematics education for all students.

The conference was designed to strengthen state, local, student, and at-large mathematics councils in the areas of partnership, membership and leadership. Attendees had the opportunity to identify their leadership strengths, network and exchange ideas, develop action plans, and share strategies. Members of the council’s Affiliate Services Committee facilitated an exchange of ideas and expertise for strengthening affiliates and for making affiliate leaders more effective in their roles.

“Today, the demands of No Child Left Behind, high stakes tests, and the importance of mathematics for all students, means that more than ever teachers look to NCTM and their affiliates for guidance and support to meet these challenges. The council and affiliate leaders are partners in preparing the next generation of teacher leaders to organize professional development activities, become master teachers, and lead the profession,” said NCTM President Francis Fennell.

NCTM was founded in 1920 and is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education association. With 100,000 members and more than 240 affiliates located throughout the United States and Canada, NCTM is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education for all students. Affiliate Leaders Conferences offer a forum for the council’s affiliates to examine and strengthen their role in providing opportunities for emerging, new and seasoned teachers to grow professionally.