NCTM-Necessary Caring to Teach Mathematics

Of course, NCTM does not stand for Necessary Caring to Teach Mathematics. It actually stands for National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. However, teaching mathematics does take caring as well as hard work, motivation, and interest. The mission of NCTM is to "ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development and research" (NCTM, par. 1, 2011). This council provides curriculum focal points that define what curriculum needs to be taught in each grade. They also define thinking processes that are critical for students to develop such as reasoning, critical thinking skills, and problem solving (NCTM, 2011). Teachers can use these focal points to create effective units and lessons plans for students to learn math.

NCTM. (2011). Mission. Retrieved from http://www.nctm.org/about/default.aspx?id=166