2026 Annual Conference 

June 26 - 27, 2026

Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA 

Quick Links to Key Information

Conference Theme
Keynote and Featured Speaker
Conference Strands
Registration
Hotel Information
Sponsors and Exhibitors

Conference Theme

Unmasking Change: Revealing the Power of Mathematics

An invitation to peel back the layers of tradition, reveal fresh possibilities, boldly challenge inequities, and chart a course through the emerging future—we aim to inspire you to harness vulnerability, ignite innovation, and drive transformation through mathematics.

Keynote and Featured Speaker

Toya Jones Frank, PhD is a mathematics educator, researcher, and STEM education leader with a passion for creating just and equitable learning opportunities. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of TJF Educational Solutions, a consultancy group that offers professional development and strategy for families, educators, schools, districts and organizations. She recently served as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation, where she led national initiatives in Racial Equity in STEM Education and Data Science Corps. She also served at George Mason University as an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education Leadership and Secondary Education. Her NSF-funded research explores how race impacts mathematics teacher education and ways to create inclusive, advanced math spaces for historically marginalized students. As a published author and sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Frank has shared her expertise with organizations such as the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Psychology of Mathematics Education – North America. Beyond her scholarship, she collaborates with teachers, leaders, and mathematicians across the U.S. and abroad. She is especially proud of her roots as a high school math teacher, mathematics department chair, and consultant for partners including DC Public Schools and ACT, Inc.

James O’Neal Jr. is a national speaker, math educator, and founder of Mastery For All, LLC. With over 18 years in education, including serving as a department chair and National Board Certified Teacher, James is passionate about helping educators unlock brilliance in every student. A finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, he is known for blending culture, mindset, and high-quality instruction to drive real results.

Through keynotes, professional development, and coaching, James equips teachers and leaders to build classrooms rooted in belonging, competence, autonomy, and praise. His work centers on empowering Black and Brown students while strengthening systems that serve all learners. James believes mastery begins with belief, and he challenges educators to examine their mindsets so students can rise into their fullest potential.

Uncovering Insight: Data, Identity, and Instructional Clarity

Sessions in this strand will focus on instructional strategies that support innovative ways for students to demonstrate their mathematical understanding.

• Spotlighting student identity and how it impacts instruction
• Designing assessment practices that honor diverse ways of showing understanding, moving beyond traditional formats to reveal deeper insight
• Using student data to inform responsive teaching, connecting academic trends to individual strengths, needs, and lived experiences

Harnessing Technology: AI, Ethics, and Digital Fluency

Sessions in this strand will focus on how we can use digital tools, including AI, to support lesson design, instructional delivery, assessment, and everyday tasks.

• Exploring how AI intersects with ethical reasoning and critical thinking, empowering students to navigate digital landscapes with discernment and purpose
• Equipping educators with AI tools that streamline their workflow to support routine task

Equity Amplified: Rewriting the Narrative of Mathematics Education

Sessions in this strand will highlight innovative practices designed to support all learners.

• Engaging with new practices designed to support diverse learners
• Celebrating nontraditional approaches and bold educator voices
• Centering student reasoning and creativity, highlighting non-linear thinking, open-ended exploration, and authentic artifacts

Unveiling Resources: Community, Collaboration, Curriculum, and Leadership 

Sessions in this strand will highlight the importance of curricular resources.

• Dismantling silos and building authentic learning communities across content areas
• Highlighting culturally relevant mathematical resources, interdisciplinary content, and co-developed curricular materials that reflect and engage diverse student communities
• Advancing mathematics leadership that fosters belonging for every student and educator through collaborative, innovative, and community-rooted practices

Revealing Superpowers: Unlocking Student Potential

This strand celebrates ways educators have revealed mathematical brilliance in all students.

• Spotlighting the linguistic brilliance of multilingual learners, and how their diverse language and cultural experiences enrich the mathematics classroom
• Showcasing strengths-based strategies and inclusive mindsets that foster belonging, expression, and academic success for each and every learner

Registration Information

Conference registration is now open! Register by March 1 to receive the early bird discount.

Early bird rates (register by March 1):

• Individual registration: $250
• Group registration*: $225 per person  

Regular rates (register between March 2 and June 1)

• Individual registration: $275
• Group registration*: $240 per person

On-site registrations (register after June 1, including on-site registration

• Individual registration: $300

Note: Primary speakers will be able to register for $200. Co-speakers will be able to register for $225. Consider submitting a proposal to receive this discount!

*Group registration pricing will be offered for groups of 5 or more individuals from the same school or school division. Payment must come from one payment source in order to receive this discount. Contact info@vctm.org for more information.

Follow this link to register.

Hotel Information

Host Hotel: Delta Hotel

401 E Roslyn Rd
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Book your group rate for VCTM
Last day to book: May 22, 2026

Additional hotel options:

Comfort Suites Southpark

931 South Ave
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Call the front desk at 804-835-9279 and mention group: VCTM - VA Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Click here to book online
Last day to book: May 26, 2026

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Richmond Colonial Heights

937 South Ave
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Book your group rate for VCTM
Last day to book: May 25, 2026

800 Southpark Blvd
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Book your group rate for VCTM
Last day to book: May 22, 2026

Exhibitors and Sponsors