2026 NCCTM Annual Fall Conference: Full Schedule

For all information about the Fall Conference visit the NCCTM Conference Webpage <click here>.

10:00am EST

Bar Models and Breakthroughs: Leveraging Visual Representations to Make Sense of Word Problems

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Unlock the power of bar modeling to transform how students think about math! Dive into the model method as a dynamic visual strategy for building problem-solving skills. Discover how bar models move learners from simple to complex problems, promote true sense-making, and reveal mathematical relationships. Explore connections across grades K-8 to cultivate mathematically proficient problem solvers.

Speakers

Kelly Reigle

Union County Public Schools

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Salem 3B

Elementary (K-5), Strand 1: Modeling, Representations & Tinkering

11:10am EST

The Science of Data in the Math Classroom

Thursday November 5, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm EST

Salem 3B

In this collaborative workshop, we’ll bring together the expertise of statistics and mathematics educators to explore what it means to incorporate data into K-12 classrooms. Together, we will imagine the structure, content, and mindset of a data-rich learning environment—one that engages students in ways that traditional math classrooms often don’t.

Speakers

Joshua Sawyer

Elizabeth City Middle School - Elizabeth City, NC

Thursday November 5, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm EST
Salem 3B

Secondary All (6-12), Strand 5: Data Science, Technology & K–12 Pathways

12:20pm EST

Click, Tinker, Create: Designing Desmos Activities with AI

Thursday November 5, 2026 12:20pm - 1:20pm EST

Salem 3B

Ready to level up your Desmos game? In this hands-on session, you’ll experience engaging Desmos Activities as a learner before stepping behind the scenes to create your own. Discover how to use AI as a collaborative partner to design interactive lessons that spark curiosity, promote discussion, and connect classrooms across your district. Together, we’ll embrace the Tinker Together mindset!

Speakers

Amanda Gerken

Advanced Learning and Gifted Education Coordinator, Hickory City Schools

Mrs. Gerken serves as the Advanced Learning & Gifted Education Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator for Hickory City Schools. In her role, she collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to design and support meaningful learning experiences for students in grades K–12... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 12:20pm - 1:20pm EST
Salem 3B

All (K-12), Strand 5: Data Science, Technology & K–12 Pathways

1:30pm EST

More than Answers; Building Mathematical Identity in K-5

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Salem 3B

Participants will explore how problem-based learning and coherent storytelling in Illustrative Mathematics classrooms build deep understanding, perseverance, and mathematical identity. Through collaborative routines and sense-making experiences, educators will examine how teaching the “why” before the “how” fosters joyful classrooms where all students see themselves as capable mathematicians.

Speakers

Thomas Stricklin

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Salem 3B

Elementary (K-5), Strand 4: Productive Habits, Identity & Joyful Learning

2:40pm EST

Sharing the Mic: Power and Talk in the Math Classroom

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST

Salem 3B

Most teachers want student-led talk, yet they often dominate the conversation. This session shares findings from my study of 10 educators on discourse and their instructional visions—what they believe ideally happens in a math classroom. We examine how the balance of power affects discussion. Learn to reframe your authority to empower student voices and create inclusive, talk-rich math spaces.

Speakers

Emily Chandrasekhar

UNCG

Emily is a mathematics educator and doctoral candidate with a research focus on the interplay of discourse and authority in math classrooms. Drawing on extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, coaching, and professional development, she is excited to be part of the... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Salem 3B

Elementary (K-5), Strand 2: Reasoning, Discourse & Student Thinking

9:50am EST

Math Main Idea: Making Sense of Math Stories

Friday November 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am EST

Salem 3B

This session will focus on how the math main idea is the missing piece that bridges the gap for students who struggle to comprehend what they are being asked to figure out in a number story. Teachers will engage in hands on collaborative activities that will enhance their understanding of the math main idea and will participate in turn and talk activities to clarify ideas.

Speakers

Julie Russo

Owner-Structures of Equality, K-5 Math Consultant and Author of The Fire & Wire Way-Daily Routines to Sytematically Build Foundational Number Sense and Structures of Equality-Putting comprenhension first: A framework for teaching word problems (release date summer 2026)

Friday November 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am EST
Salem 3B

Elementary (K-5), Strand 2: Reasoning, Discourse & Student Thinking

11:00am EST

Making Meaning of Math Lingo: Teaching the Language and Discourse of Math

Friday November 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Salem 3B

Math teachers know that math is more than just graphs and equations. There's a wealth of language required to interact with math content effectively. We also know the frustration of asking students to show their work and explain their reasoning/thinking. This session will provide concrete strategies you can apply immediately to help all students develop both vocabulary and discourse in math.

Speakers

Nicholas Powers-Maher

Friday November 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Salem 3B

All (K-12), Strand 2: Reasoning, Discourse & Student Thinking

12:10pm EST

Strengthening PLCs Through Reflective Journaling

Friday November 6, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EST

Salem 3B

This session reframes PLCs into collaborative experiences where teacher expertise is amplified. Participants will analyze short journals used within PLC meetings, experience a journaling cycle, and plan its implementation. Teacher leaders will discover how journals can become an essential tool for building actionable teacher knowledge and supporting implementation of new mathematics standards.

Speakers

Robin Anderson

Josh Mata

Lydia Provost

Temple Walkowiak

Friday November 6, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm EST
Salem 3B

School or district-based coaches and/or leaders, Strand 6: Leadership for Installation, Implementation & Collective Impact

1:20pm EST

The Building Thinking Classrooms Model: Promoting Discourse and Collaborative Problem Solving

Friday November 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm EST

Salem 3B

Participants will engage in the Building Thinking Classrooms model as outlined by author Peter Liljedahl in his book Randomized groups will solve problems on non-permanent vertical spaces and a synthesis of mathematical strategies and participant observations will follow. Student created rubrics, authentic note taking, and check your understanding methods will also be presented.

Speakers

Tara Hammond

Henderson County Public Schools

Lena Robertson

Henderson County Public Schools

Friday November 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm EST
Salem 3B

Elementary (K-5), Strand 2: Reasoning, Discourse & Student Thinking

10:00am EST

11:10am EST

12:20pm EST

1:30pm EST

2:40pm EST

9:50am EST

11:00am EST

12:10pm EST

1:20pm EST

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