Candidates for Presidential Offices
Candidate for State President | ||
 | Barbara Clarke | I am a dedicated educator and lifelong learner driven by the challenge of making organizations more effective and inclusive. My approach blends Strategic Thinking with Restorative problem-solving, allowing me to spot patterns others might miss and turn "breakdowns" into opportunities for growth. Currently, as the Coordinator of Organizational Development and Learning at Durham Technical Community College, I leverage my Arranger and Analytical strengths to manage complex variables and coordinate professional development that truly supports faculty and staff. Whether it’s developing frameworks for instructional effectiveness or designing curriculum for ELL and HSE students, I am focused on the "hows" and "whys" to find novel, better ways of getting things done. I believe the journey toward competence is just as important as the outcome. My goal is to use my unique blend of academic rigor (Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction) and empathetic leadership to bring out the best in every team member and student I serve. |
Candidates for Eastern Region | ||
 | Emily Myers | Dr. Emily Myers serves as the Senior Mathematics Specialist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), where she has the privilege of working with mathematics educators across North Carolina. As a leader in professional learning and a champion for teachers, Emily supports the field through her work with NCCAT and NC2ML, where she serves on the High School Visions Steering Committee. Emily holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Meredith College, an M.A. in Mathematics from Wake Forest University, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UNCW, and National Board Certification. She joined NCCAT in 2022 after serving as Secondary Curriculum Director in Beaufort County Schools and previously working as the K–12 Mathematics Instructional Specialist in Beaufort County and a mathematics teacher in New Hanover County. In 2016, she was recognized as the NCCTM Outstanding Mathematics Teacher for New Hanover County Schools. Serving on the NCCTM Board as Eastern Regional President would be an honor and an opportunity for Emily to give back to the mathematics community by advocating for mathematics education and supporting a strong professional community. |
 | Dawn Tillett | Greetings from the outer edge of North Carolina. I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the president of NCCTM’s Eastern Region. For 21 years, I taught mathematics from sixth grade through Math 3, spending most of that time in a seventh-grade classroom, where I focused on making math matter for all my students. Currently, I serve as the MTSS/Math & Science Coordinator for Dare County Schools, supporting K–12 teachers through curriculum implementation, vertical alignment, and instructional practices. Now, my focus is to make math matter in our schools. To keep our teachers informed about the latest state and national initiatives, I am actively involved in work through the NCDPI Middle School Math Collaborative, the K–5 Math Leaders’ Meetings, and the Middle School Data Review Committee. As a long-standing member of NCCTM, I believe in its mission to provide and promote high-quality professional learning and effective mathematics instruction to enhance student learning. I look forward to this opportunity to collaborate with educators across the Eastern Region to strengthen connections, support teacher growth, and ensure all students receive rich, high-quality mathematics learning experiences. |
Candidates for Western Region | ||
 | Kristine Schmitt | Kristine Schmitt is an Elementary and Intermediate District Math Coach for Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, North Carolina. She spent 15 years teaching third grade, where she developed a deep passion for empowering students to cultivate a love for mathematics. For the past 11 years, Kristine has partnered with teachers and their students to explore rigorous mathematics while celebrating the joy it brings to learning. She joined NC2ML to support the development of instructional frameworks and continues to contribute through the recent Visions Project. Kristine has facilitated workshops alongside NC2ML colleagues, supporting districts in defining and creating shared visions for high-quality, equitable mathematics instruction. She is committed to continuing her work with teachers and students across Western North Carolina to build positive and meaningful experiences with mathematics. |
 | Amanda Thompson | I am seeking election as Regional Western President. I have proudly served as Regional Vice President and as a member of the Statewide Convention Committee, where I supported the planning and execution of a successful conference. Through these roles, I strengthened regional and statewide collaboration, enhanced member engagement, and supported effective leadership practices across the organization With 22 years in education spanning Exceptional Children and Mathematics across K–8, 6–8, and 9–12 settings, I bring a broad and informed perspective to leadership rooted in inclusive and equitable practices. My professional experience in both rural and urban districts, along with service on executive boards and leading NCDPI Professional Development, has shaped my ability to lead with purpose, empathy, and clarity. I am a collaborative and reflective leader who values shared leadership and believes in building capacity in others. I listen closely to educators, seek meaningful feedback, and approach challenges through a problem-solution lens. I am committed to continued service, meaningful collaboration, and authentic member engagement, and I would be honored to serve as your next Regional Western President. |
Candidate for Central Region | ||
 | Kendra Bledsoe | Greetings! My name is Kendra N. Bledsoe. I am in my 25th year in mathematics education, 24 of which have been with Guilford County Schools (GCS). I spent 14 years teaching 7th and 8th-grade math and Math II in middle schools. I became a middle school curriculum facilitator before transitioning to the district level as an elementary math coordinator. These experiences broadened my view of elementary and middle-level math education and helped me take a critical look at current math education structures. Now I spend my time supporting educators at all levels with strategies to create equitable access to mathematics for ALL students through my role in GCS and my engagement with professional organizations such as the NC Collaborative for Mathematics Learning (NC2ML). I believe that all students should receive high-quality, equitable mathematics instructional experiences. NCCTM provides its members with professional learning opportunities and resources that support this as a part of their mission and vision. I look forward to working with NCCTM to deliver more of these experiences for teachers through the diverse methods of professional learning we have been privileged to experience over the last few years, so that we can continuously offer teachers multiple opportunities to engage in them. Through NCCTM, we can begin to impact more teachers and provide a sense of belonging and community by providing more opportunities for members to engage with each other in various ways. Increasing member engagement will help us recruit and retain a diverse, active community of educators. If allowed to serve as President of the Central Region, I will support the vision and mission of NCCTM and provide support as teachers implement high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for their students. |