Darshan M. Jain, Candidate for Director, At-Large
Position: Director of mathematics, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Illinois (2013–).
Education: B.S. (mechanical engineering) and M.S. (teaching secondary mathematics), University of Illinois at Chicago.
Previous Experience: Mathematics teacher, Adlai E. Stevenson High School (2004–13); adjunct professor, Trinity International University (2009–11); mathematics instructor, Hispanic Math and Science Initiative, University of Illinois at Chicago (1998–2002).
Memberships: NCTM, ASCD, National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Metropolitan Mathematics Club of Chicago, National Science Teachers Association, Learning Forward.
Activities in NCTM: Chair (2012–14) and member (2010–14), Student Explorations in Mathematics Editorial Panel; presenter, High School Interactive Institutes in Orlando, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago (2010–14); reviewer, Mathematics Teacher (2008–11) andFocus on High School Mathematics: Technology to Support Reasoning and Sense Making(2011); member, Technology Subcommittee, Research Agenda Conference (2008).
Other Activities: Developed and delivered presentations at local, state, and national venues focused on mathematics teaching, practices, and pedagogy (2004–); National Board Certified Teacher, Adolescents & Young Adulthood.
Honors: State finalist for Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Illinois (2013); Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010).
Statement: NCTM is well positioned as the premier teacher organization to support classroom teachers in understanding and leading change. We teach in an era of unprecedented change in mathematics education. An Internet search for professional development related to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics supplies innumerable links. NCTM can and must step into this space to support members with timely, tailored, and tiered professional development. Let’s identify, with Affiliate and member input, two to three teacher-learning themes and dedicate our professional conferences, institutes, Web presence, and media outreach to building teacher capacity around these focused themes. Let’s be strategic in leveraging NCTM resources to offer learning at different entry points (tiered learning). Let’s connect with each other and learn from each other!
NCTM can support Affiliates and members as advocates. Advocacy has been effective and focused at policy levels. Let’s support teachers and districts in advocating at the local level. The change that teachers are experiencing and seeking to implement needs a champion. NCTM is that champion! NCTM can help members through learning opportunities on how to advocate for students at the school, district, community, and state decision levels.
As an organization, our strength is in our members. Extraordinary teachers have chosen to be NCTM members! Our challenge moving forward is in providing the voice and venue for our members to share their strengths and connect with each other. Let’s reenvision content delivery that is integrated with user habits. Imagine interactive journals that are supported by author/user videos and access to value-added apps or other tools of discovery and student engagement. Let’s connect members to great user experiences!
As an NCTM Board member, I will bring a passion for students, teachers, and mathematics. When NCTM focuses on this, we will surely support, serve, and surprise!