Congratulations to our first MCTM Membership Drive Winner: Tammy Brooks from Ulen-Hitterdal High School!! Read more about Tammy and keep referring new members! |
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Why should you attend the MCTM Spring Conference?
A note from Sandy Ketterling, VP of High School
The MCTM Spring Conference is an exciting professional learning opportunity for grades 9–12 educators looking to strengthen instruction and stay current with evolving standards. Designed with classroom teachers in mind, this conference offers practical strategies, engaging sessions, and collaborative learning focused on improving student thinking and understanding.
A key focus of this year’s conference is preparing for the Minnesota 2022 Math Standards. Sessions will support teachers in unpacking anchor standards, aligning curriculum and assessment, and translating standards into meaningful daily instruction that promotes conceptual understanding and coherence across grade levels.
Teachers will also find a strong emphasis on statistics and data literacy, an increasingly important area in secondary mathematics. Sessions will highlight effective instructional routines and real-world applications that help students analyze data,reason statistically, and communicate their thinking with confidence.
For educators interested in improving classroom engagement, the conference features sessions on Building Thinking Classrooms and high-impact instructional routines. These sessions will provide practical tools to foster collaboration, productive struggle, and student-centered learning environments that support deeper mathematical thinking.
In addition, the MCTM Spring Conference explores the growing role of computer science and artificial intelligence in education. Learn how to integrate Minnesota’s Computer Science Benchmarks into math instruction and examine how AI is shaping teaching, learning, and assessment. Join colleagues from across the state to gain fresh ideas, actionable resources, and renewed inspiration for your classroom.
Registration is now open. Join us April 24-25 in Duluth, Minnesota.
A note from Jillian Tomsche, VP of Middle School
We hope to see you at our 2026 MCTM Conference in Duluth. This is a wonderful chance for professional development that is based on the 2022 standards! You will have the opportunity to learn from educational leaders, math teachers, and experts in mathematics education - including Fawn Nguyen, Graham Litterst, and Terry Wyberg!
A note from Sarah Moffett, VP of Elementary School
Elementary teachers and coaches—the READ Act work has been inspiring and exhausting. I often hear, “When are we getting a Math Act?” While I don’t know the answer to that, I do know this: the MCTM Spring Conference in April is a powerful opportunity for elementary educators.
When I first attended, I worried it would be all secondary teachers and I’d be out of my depth. While many attendees were secondary, a strong community of elementary-focused educators helped me grow my practice and see how my work shapes students’ mathematical futures.
With the 2022 Minnesota math standards ahead, elementary teachers need a deep understanding of what’s changing—especially the eight Mathematical Practices. Friday keynote Anton Treuer will inspire educators to engage with Minnesota Tribal Nations contexts, and Saturday keynote Christopher Danielson (of Math-On-A-Stick fame) shows how joyful and compelling math can be for kids. Add at least 15 PK–5-focused sessions, and you have a conference built to energize your teaching.
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2026 Elections for MCTM Board |
Five offices on the Board of Directors of MCTM will be filled in the 2025 election. The members of the Executive Committee have nominated candidates for each office and the MCTM Board of Directors approved the slate of candidates. The following are up for election: President Elect, Vice President for High School, Region 1 Director, Region 4 Director, and Region 7 Director. MCTM members will receive an elections email the first week in February. To vote you need to sign into your MCTM account to ensure you get the right ballot. All ballots are due February 13. MEET THE CANDIDATES HERE
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Inspirational Reads for Educators by: Mark Kingsbury, Region 3 Director There are some writings (essays, books, blogposts, etc) that I like to read once a year to help keep me grounded, to keep me motivated, or to remind me of my why. As we move into the second half of the academic year, I hope you can find ways to remind yourself of your own why. |
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From the Archives–2003
by: Mark Nechanicky, Region 1 Director
As Minnesota transitions to the new 2022 standards (standards are ‘named’ by the year that the review cycle starts rather than the first year of implementation), Tom Muchlinkski’s thoughts have relevance.
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I Have, You Need: The Utility Player of Instructional Routines by: Mike Jordahl, Region 7 Director One of the biggest shifts in the 2022 MN math standards is the focus on mathematical rigor (the "three-legged stool"), which balances: Conceptual understanding. Procedural knowledge. and Real-world application. The "I Have, You Need" routine is a great way to connect all three legs of this stool. |
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MCTM Elementary Endowment |
Elementary Endowment Professional Learning Experience — Applications Now Open!
The time has come! Applications are now being accepted for the Elementary Endowment . The form can be found here. Professional Learning Experience — a FREE professional development opportunity for K–2 educators.
Application Window: Now through March 9, 2026, applicants will be notified of participation status by April 1,2026
Workshop Dates: August 18–19, 2026
Location: Hamline University (a satellite location may be available based on need and resources)
Facilitator: Dr. Terry Wyberg, University of Minnesota
Participant Limit: Capped at 20 educators
Program Highlights:
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In-person sessions followed by virtual reflection sessions and coaching opportunities
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Each participant receives a free copy of NCTM’s new publication, “Early Math Trajectories”
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Option to earn one or two Hamline University credits (available for a fee)
Focus Areas:
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Developing mathematical thinking in K–2 students
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Teaching practices that interpret and support student growth in mathematical concepts
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Understanding developmental frameworks and learning trajectories in counting principles and early algebraic thinking
Questions?
Contact Margaret Williams at elementaryendowment@mctm.org
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Are you looking for support to attend the 2026 Spring Conference in Duluth on April 24th - 25th? Check out https://www.mctm.org/grants-scholarships
The MCTM foundation has grants for individuals, for teams of 3, and for students. These funds may be used for registration and housing. Individuals can receive a maximum of $550 while a team of 3 can receive a maximum of $1,650. We have provided Application Worksheets which will help you get prepared to fill out the on-line application form.
Deadlines: Due on February 20th, 2026. All applicants will be notified of the Foundation’s decision by March 2026
Reporting requirements: due within one month of the conference
Are you looking for support to attend the 2026 Ross Taylor Symposium in Duluth on April 23rd?
Check out the application for the ROSS TAYLOR MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP. It is awarded by the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics to a mathematics teacher for the purpose of attending the annual Ross Taylor Mathematics Education and Leadership Symposium.
Deadlines: Due on February 20th.
Changes to the Arnie Cutler Scholarship!!
The changes are to the targeted audience and type of coursework. If you have any questions please contact Donna M Forbes at Foundation@mctm.org
Target Audience:
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Licensed Tier 3 & 4 Minnesota Middle school teachers currently teaching mathematics in grades five through nine.
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Must have at least two years of teaching experience.
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Must expect to continue teaching mathematics in grades 5-9.
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Includes teachers of Special Education and of English Language Learners who are working in middle school settings and ABE instructors working with adult clients on middle school level mathematics.
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Must be an MCTM member.
Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to provide financial support for improving and deepening teachers’ understanding of mathematics and pedagogy. Coursework in either of these two areas is the focus of this scholarship. Coursework should be from an accredited college or university and grant academic credit. CEUs may be appropriate if associated with an accredited institution. Scholarships with a maximum of $1200 each will be awarded. Proposals must address the following: rationale for the coursework, anticipated instructional improvements, and expected impact on student learning.
Deadline: March 31st. Needed: Committee Members Are you looking for a way to get professionally involved? The MCTM Foundation will be looking for at least two new committee members starting in the Fall of 2026. If this is of interest to you, please contact Donna Forbes at Foundation@mctm.org. The job description and a short application are available on our web page, toward the bottom of the page. Do you have extra mathematics resources to donate? Do you have extra mathematics resources that you like to donate to the MCTM Foundation Book Sale at the Spring Conference? Any textbooks will be added to the Free table in the exhibit hall at the Spring Conference. Please send an email to Foundation@mctm.org if you have things to share or just bring them to the Spring Conference.
The MCTM Foundation Booth at the Spring Conference will feature…
A Book Sale
Quilt Raffle
Wood Intarsia Wall Hanging Raffle
Baskets |
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From the NCTM Desk: Staying the Course with Purposeful Mathematics
By: Becky Rahm – Your Minnesota NCTM Representative
February is often the point in the school year when routines are set and instructional priorities come into focus. It’s a great time to revisit goals, reflect on practice, and take advantage of professional learning that supports strong mathematics instruction. NCTM continues to offer resources—many at no cost—to support educators at all levels.
Free For All – February Webinars
The February MTLT Teacher Talk will meet on Feb 3 to discuss the article “Number Talks: Gateway to Sense Making” by Kathy Sun, Erin Baldinger, and Cathy Humphreys. This conversation will focus on how number talks support sense making, student reasoning, and meaningful mathematical discourse.
On Feb. 5, join DeAnn Huinker and Melissa Hedges for a free webinar, Math Trajectories: Exploring the Developmental World of Young Learners, exploring how learning trajectories, video clips, and assessment tools help reveal and support the mathematical thinking of young learners ages 3–7.
Membership Highlight – Save on NCTM Publications
NCTM members receive 20–30% discounts in the NCTM Bookstore on trusted, classroom-ready resources. Premium members also receive one free eBook download each year, making it even easier to access high-quality professional learning. Popular NCTM publications as of mid-2025 include
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Principles to Actions
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5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussion, 2nd Edition
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High School Mathematics Reimagined, Revitalized, and Relevant
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Taking Action: Implementing Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices in K–Grade 5
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Proactive Mathematics Coaching: Bridging Content, Context, and Practice
Effective Teaching Practice Spotlight - From NCTM’s Principles to Action - February: Implement Tasks That Promote Reasoning and Problem Solving
Effective teaching of mathematics engages students in solving and discussing tasks that promote mathematical reasoning and problem solving. High-quality tasks encourage students to make sense of mathematics, explore multiple strategies, and justify their thinking. As instruction continues this semester, consider selecting tasks that challenge students to think deeply and provide opportunities for productive struggle and meaningful discussion.
Thank you for your continued work supporting mathematics education across Minnesota. Please feel free to reach out with questions about NCTM resources or membership. |
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Online Undergraduate Resource Fair for the Advancement and Alliance of Marginalized Mathematicians |
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International PD Opportunity |
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Dear Minnesota Math Teachers, Spend your next summer at Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education (BSME), a 6-week summer program in Budapest, Hungary, where mathematics educators study the renowned Hungarian pedagogy—an approach that places problem-solving, creativity, and mathematical communication at the center of instruction. The program runs from mid-June through late July 2026, and eligible participants earn 8 graduate credit hours.
Click here for more information and free online application. |
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One Stop Shop Page for all MN Math Links and Resources
Are you struggling to find a Minnesota Math link or Resource? Try starting with the One-stop shop google doc that links to Minnesota Math standards, assessment links, videos and more. On this page you will find an updated 2025-26 PD calendar and information on MDE office hours. It is recommended you bookmark this page as it is updated often. ProTip ‘Ctrl F’ or ‘Command F’ allows you to FIND a word you are looking for on the document.
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MN Math Leaders has its own page on the MCTM website!
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The MN Math Leaders Group has its own page on the MCTM website. More information will be coming to this page soon. Did you know it is FREE to join this group? Find the link to join the group on this page and please share with others. We are on a mission to have at least one person from all 500+ MN school districts connected to this group.
As a reminder, the MN Math Leader group has monthly PLC meetings on the 3rd Tuesday (from 12:30-2:30 p.m) and 3rd Thursdays (from 4-6 p.m.). This group is open to all MN Math teachers and district leaders. |
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MCTM: PO Box 130816, Roseville, MN 55113
mctm.org
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