Latrenda Knighten, a mathematics coach at Melrose Elementary School, has joined the 14-member Board of Directors that serves as the chief policymaking body of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). She began her three-year term (2011–2014) at the conclusion of the Council’s annual meeting in Indianapolis on April 16. With 100,000 members, NCTM supports mathematics educators in all 50 states and Canada. In addition, the Council provides information and services to members in 104 countries around the globe. Knighten will attend her first Board meeting in July.

Since 2009, Knighten has been an elementary mathematics coach at Melrose Elementary. Her experience spanning nearly 25 years includes service as an elementary Mathematics and Science specialist for the School System and as program manager for Mathematics Assessment Development of the Louisiana State Department of Education.  Her past leadership roles include service as president of the Baton Rouge Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics.

Her most recent work with the Council includes serving as an E-Workshop presenter in the spring of 2009 and the spring of 2010. She also has been a member of the Professional Development Focus Task Force, the Professional Development Services Committee, the Illuminations Advisory Group and the program committees for the 2011 Atlantic City Regional Conference, the 2008 Salt Lake City Annual Meeting and 2007 Houston Regional Conference. In addition, she was the program chair for the 2004 New Orleans Regional Conference.  Knighten earned her bachelor’s degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University (Louisiana).

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development and research. With more than 100,000 members and 230 Affiliates, NCTM is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.