The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) was organized in 1949 to create and foster greater interest in the teaching of mathematics at all grade levels. A small group of 90 interested mathematics teachers met that year at the University of Illinois to determine the structure for a state mathematics association.

The purposes of ICTM, as stated in the By-laws, are to encourage an active interest in all areas of mathematics and mathematics education, to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics and the role of mathematics in other disciplines, to promote research in the teaching and learning of mathematics, and to provide opportunities for exchange of views regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics.