Math Teacher’s Efforts Add Up

This summer fewer than 100 math and science educators received the nation’s highest honor in their field. Chancellor High School math teacher Kimberly Riddle ’98, M.Ed ’04, was among them. “These teachers are the best of the best,” President Obama said of the 97 winners of the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), reserved for those who develop and implement effective instructional programs. Riddle has spent a decade teaching algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and other courses at the Spotsylvania County, Va., high school. Lacing her classes with hands-on activities and discussion, she’s advocated for curriculum changes in algebra-based courses since attending a 2008 session about the importance of visualizations, context, and pattern building. “Knowledge gained should not be withheld for self-serving purposes,” Riddle said on the PAEMST website. “Knowledge should be shared with colleagues.” The award-winning teacher earned two … [Read more...]