National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Mission – “The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership and professional development to support teachers in ensuring equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.”
Membership – range from $39 - $140; Full- time students interested in mathematics education are encouraged to join. However, proof of college or university enrollment must be provided. There are affiliate sites for the states. Find your state



Association for Women in Mathematics - a non-profit organization founded in 1971
Mission – “to encourage women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences, and to promote equal opportunity and the equal treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences.”
Memberships - available for individuals, academic institutional members, and institutional sponsors. Prices range from $20 - $1000 for institutional sponsorships. Men can join



Mu Alpha Theta (National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society
Mission – “We are dedicated to inspiring keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students.”
Membership – is only for high schools and two-year colleges.
Also, Mu Alpha Theta provides contests and scholarships for its members. In 2009, twelve $4000 scholarships were awarded.



National Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEC)
Mission – “NAEYC expresses its mission in terms of three broad goals:
1. Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education.
2. Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education.
3. Building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children. “
Membership – Interested individuals become national members by joining a local affiliate group. Cost varies. Find your state and local association by clicking on “Affiliate” button on the home page.

National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
Mission - “to render all possible support and assistance to professionals who teach children with special needs. NASET seeks to promote standards of excellence and innovation in special education research, practice, and policy in order to foster exceptional teaching for exceptional children.”
Membership - cost varies from $39 - $95; note – certification in special education is not required



National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) - “is a federally funded research and development center focused solely on adult learning. NCSALL's efforts are dedicated to improving practice in educational programs that serve adults with limited literacy and English language skills, and those without a high school diploma.”
NSCALL resources for teaching math

In addition to becoming part of a professional organization, the reference books below have received outstanding reviews to help you improve your teaching gift.