"Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" 

Happy New Year and my hope is that everyone had a chance to relax, refresh, and renew over the winter break. It was great to have time with family and friends. It was also nice to make time to step away from the hustle and bustle of work to reflect on the past and plan for the future. 

 

As I reflected I am reminded of the many individuals who have somehow influenced my life directly or indirectly. Maybe it was a handshake, kind/encouraging word, note, email, text, or phone call just when you needed it. It reminded me of the responsibility that comes when one takes on a leadership role-the importance of showing others that you care.

Leadership truly is about relationships. Relationships that many of us learned how to build and develop while in the classroom teaching mathematics. Relationships that we have developed, nurtured, and come to cherish over the years as mathematics educators and leaders. Leadership is also about legacy. As you look to the future and continue to write your story, what will the pages of history say about your legacy as a mathematics education leader? Will they tell stories of how you tried to address the following question: "How will you change Mathematics Education?" Will it tell about how you championed the cause for "Leading Systemic Change: Promising Practices and Lessons Learned."