Call for Abstracts for MAA MathFest 2026 – Contributed Paper Session: Future Directions in Pre-K-12 Mathematics Teacher Preparation

SIGMAA MKT and COMET are excited to co-sponsor a contributed paper session at MAA MathFest 2026 in Boston, MA. We invite you to submit a title and abstract. Presentations in this session are typically 12 minutes long, followed by 3 minutes for questions and answers, with a 5-minute transition period between speakers. 

Contributed Paper Session Title:

Future Directions in Pre-K-12 Mathematics Teacher Preparation

This session invites a broad range of speakers to share presentations on the expanse of topics that encompass the growing changes and challenges in preparing and supporting Pre-K–12 teachers of mathematics and statistics. We welcome a wide range of presentation types (e.g., research-based studies, innovative ideas, curricular resources,

assessment approaches, and more). Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Mathematical knowledge for teaching in domains not yet widely addressed, such as mathematical modeling and discrete mathematics
  • Strategies to increase enrollment in teacher preparation programs
  • Modernizing mathematics education curricula to better prepare future teachers 
  • The integration of AI and chatbot activities in teaching
  • Ethical considerations surrounding AI in mathematics education
  • Perspectives and interactions across pro-AI and AI-averse teachers
  • Implications of policy documents for teacher knowledge, preparation, and curriculum design
  • Preparing and supporting teachers to use high-quality instructional materials with integrity
  • Modeling equitable assessment practices in the tertiary courses that future teachers take 
  • Addressing the mathematics and statistics preparation of future teachers who gain licensure through alternative pathways
  • Building and sustaining effective partnerships between Pre-K–12 schools and higher education

We aim to bring together multiple voices for this session, including Pre-K–12 teachers of mathematics and statistics, those who prepare future teachers or provide professional learning for teachers, curriculum developers, policymakers and policy advisors, and anyone interested in sharing insights and fostering dialogue on future directions for developing and supporting Pre-K–12 teachers of mathematics and statistics.

Abstract Deadline: April 15, 2026 (1000-character limit)

Conference Dates: The specific dates/times of our sessions are not yet known, but MathFest will take place Wednesday, August 5 - Saturday, August 8, 2026. 

Abstract Submission Form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0JHHcYr8AEQEyyhr6z9rOZn-b86s2T_xlx_lTz8_byZlbDQ/viewform

On the first page, select “Contributed Paper Sessions. On the second page, choose “Future Directions in Pre-K-12 Mathematics Teacher Preparation” from the dropdown menu.

Calls for Submissions: 

https://maa.org/events/mathfest-program/contributed-paper-sessions/

Conference Registration:

https://web.cvent.com/event/ad822b5c-1850-4215-a691-11fd7c371828/summary