The Awards Committee of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montana State University is seeking nominees for two awards for distinguished mathematics instruction. One award honors a Montana teacher of mathematics (any grade, K-12) and one award honors a Montana college teacher of mathematics who have distinguished themselves as “having been superior not only in imparting mathematical knowledge but in motivational academic efforts.” Please fill out this simple nomination form if you know of a K-12 or college teacher in Montana who meet these criteria.

2024 Recipients

Table Caption
Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching
Kevin Surya
Kevin Surya is a Ph.D. student in the Statistics program at Montana State University. His teaching showcases independence, deep knowledge, and care for his students. Kevin’s interest in statistics motivates students, and his commitment to student understanding sets him apart.
Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor
Steve Higgs
Steve is a non-tenure track instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences who teaches a variety of introductory mathematics courses. Steve’s students uniformly praise his careful explanations and appreciate his constant encouragement. His colleagues admire his thoughtful attention to student learning and his team-oriented approach.
Graduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor
Dr. Blair Davey
Blair is an associate professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Her thoughtful and clear lectures are a masterful demonstration of excellence in mathematics.
Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by a Faculty Outside of MSU 
Shay Kidd, UM Western
Shay Kidd is a mathematics education specialist at the University of Montana Western. In 2023 he was a member of the statewide task force assembled by the Office of Public Instruction to revise the Montana Mathematics Standards for grades Kindergarten through 12. Shay’s expertise contributed immensely to this important undertaking. It is our pleasure to recognize the valuable contributions of Dr. Shay Kidd to mathematics instruction in the state of Montana.
Pre-college Teacher of Mathematics in the State of Montana
Janice Novotny, Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber, MT
Mrs. Novotny is a high school mathematics teacher at Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber, MT, where she has been teaching for many years and is known by her students and colleagues as an excellent teacher, always seeking professional development and looking for new ways to make math relevant to students. She serves on the national committee grading AP Calculus exams and in 2023 served on the statewide task force assembled by the Office of Public Instruction to revise the Montana Mathematics Standards for grades Kindergarten through 12. It is our pleasure to recognize the valuable contributions of Mrs. Janice Novotny to mathematics instruction in the state of Montana. 

2023 Recipients

Award Title Recipient Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching Meaghan Winder

Meaghan is a doctoral student working toward a Ph.D. in Statistics. Meaghan primarily teaches STAT 217: Intermediate Statistics. Meaghan’s supervisor praises her for the instrumental role she has played in the development of course content, for the mentoring she has provided to undergraduate and other graduate student course assistants, and her professionalism and maturity in and out of the classroom. She makes her classes engaging and goes above and beyond office hours to support her students.

Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor Justin Gomez

Justin is a non-tenure track instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences who teaches a variety of statistics courses, including STAT 401: Applied Methods in Statistics, STAT 411: Methods for Data Analysis I, and STAT 412: Methods for Data Analysis II. Justin’s students uniformly praise his enthusiasm, thoroughness, and wide availability. His colleagues rely on his expertise and his thoughtfulness. We are all fortunate to have Justin as a colleague!

Graduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor Dr. Katie Banner

Dr. Banner is an assistant professor of statistics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Across the variety of courses she teaches, students respond positively to her instruction. Her colleagues admire her for her reflective stance about teaching and for her purposeful attention to the intersection of human values and the teaching of statistics. She is effective at integrating her research and her teaching, and she is a thoughtful mentor to graduate students. We are proud to work with Dr. Banner.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by a Faculty Outside of MSU 

Lauren Fern, Missoula College

Lauren Fern recently took over as the department chair of mathematics at Missoula College, and prior to that, taught at the University of Montana for 18 years. During her time at UM she was known across campus as an excellent instructor. Her care and attention is valued by her students – at UM students regularly visited her office, with lines often forming! She treats every student with whom she comes into contact with respect and honesty; colleagues describe Lauren as the embodiment of “mathematics for human flourishing.” Lauren was a 2019 MUS Teaching Scholar and has been instrumental at the state level as an advocate for co-requisite instruction in mathematics as a strategy for supporting student success. It is our pleasure to recognize the valuable contributions of Lauren Fern to mathematics instruction in the state of Montana. 

Pre-college Teacher of Mathematics in the State of Montana

Kelly Fulton, Bozeman High School

Mr. Fulton was a mathematics teacher at Bozeman High School for the past decade, where he was known for excellent instruction that put students at the heart of his work. He was generous, kind, and tireless in his efforts to care for his students. Teaching was his passion. Moreover, he collaborated with many faculty members in the Department of Mathematical Sciences over the years, using lessons we developed and letting us know how students responded to them, and giving us new ideas about what works best. We are all fortunate to have known and worked with Kelly Fulton.

 

Kelly was killed in October when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle. We are honored to recognize his teaching with this award, and in his memory, we aim to promote the kind and thoughtful mathematics teaching he demonstrated.  

2022 Recipients

Award Title Recipient Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching Adewale Adeolu

Adewale has taught a variety of courses throughout his time obtaining his doctoral degree in Mathematics Education.  Most notably, his recent teaching of M171/M291, a co-requisite course that meets 5 days a week, Adewale was masterful in guiding the students through the course.  His ability to approach the course content as well as adjust the syllabus to accommodate the students' needs was both exceptional and successful for the students.

Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor T.J. Reckner

Tyler (TJ) Reckner has been a member of the non-tenure track faculty at Montana State since 2016, and he is an outstanding classroom instructor and team leader. He is known for his patience and calm classroom demeanor. He inspires confidence from students and colleagues alike. A true generalist, he teaches courses across the pre-calculus and calculus sequence.

Graduate Mathematical Sciences Instructor Dr. Tianyu Zhang

Tianyu Zhang is Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and a member of the Center for Biofilm Engineering. He is an outstanding instructor and is recognized this year for his instruction of graduate level mathematics courses. His clear expository style and well-organized lectures earn him recognition from peers and students.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by a Faculty Outside of MSU  Chor Wan (Amy) Kong, Director of eLearning, Helena College, Helena

Amy Kong is a Mathematics Faculty member and the director of eLearning and Faculty Development at Helena College. She has been on the faculty there for nearly a decade and is well-known for her dedication to student success. She is the 2021 winner of the Helena College Faculty Excellence Award and the 2018 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence National Award.

Pre-college Teacher of Mathematics in the State of Montana

Christopher Linhart, Hobson Public School,  Hobson

Christopher Linhart is a high school math teacher at Hobson School, where he has been since 2012. He facilitated a team of school students on the Montana Models project in 2019 and his participation greatly enriched that group. He is the 2020 Hobson School Teacher of the Year and a Board Member of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

2021 Recipients

Award Title Recipient Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU Henry Fessler

Henry earned his M.S. in Mathematics in Spring 2021. He taught M 171 this year and inspired his students and fellow instructors! Henry’s enthusiasm and student-centered approach make us all proud to have him as an alumnus of our program.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU Melinda Yager

Melinda is an NTT faculty member and the Assistant Statistics Coordinator. She is a dedicated instructor who is well-known for her patience and clear explanations. Melinda is one of the co-authors of an open source textbook now used by hundreds of students each semester in Stat 216. For her dedication to statistics instruction at MSU, we are pleased to honor her with this award.

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU Dr. Ryan Grady

Ryan is Assistant Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at MSU. He teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. He initiated the Directed Reading Program and is the department sponsor for that initiative, which pairs undergraduate and graduate students in mentoring partnerships to pursue reading in areas of shared mathematical interest. He is one of the co-organizers of the Graduate Topology Seminar in the department. We are pleased to recognize his contributions to the graduate program.  

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU Dr. Heather Bleecker, Salish Kootenai College

Heather is Director of Secondary Mathematics Education at Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Reservation in Montana. Heather joined the SKC faculty in September of 2018 and serves as an instructor in both the Mathematics Department and Division of Education. She was nominated by two former students who praise her patience and skillful instruction.

Pre-college Teacher of Mathematics in the State of Montana Lorna Boter, Rocky Boy High School

Lorna Boter teaches Grades 9-12 mathematics at Rocky Boy High School in Box Elder, MT. She was nominated by a former student who praises her dedication to her students.

2020 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU
Robin Belton

Robin is a doctoral student working toward a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Robin has taught M 172 this year, to great acclaim. Robin stands out as an engaging, knowledgeable instructor and as an innovator in the classroom. She is also well-known for her creativity. For the past two semesters, she has written interesting fractal problems related to geometric series, encouraged her students to listen to mathematical podcasts and watch online talks, and, most impressively, has created mathematical-themed word and picture puzzles prior to each exam to help her students review. Robin’s creativity and genuine excitement for the material motivates students to see the beauty in mathematical concepts, even at an introductory level.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Clinton Watton

Clinton is an NTT faculty member and the Assistant Director of the Math Learning Center. Clinton is a dynamic instructor who fosters classroom community, creates space for deep learning and provides rich instruction, examples, and resources for his students; he is celebrated by both his students and his colleagues for his contributions to student success. His colleagues in the MLC identify one of the greatest advantages of being in a team with Clinton is that he is always willing to develop creative solutions for tasks. He has proven himself reliable in his adaptability and positivity.

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Mark Greenwood

Mark is a Professor of Statistics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at MSU. He teaches a variety of upper-division and graduate courses and is the course supervisor for Stat 217. He is the author of an open-source textbook used in Stat 217 and earlier this year was recognized for his dedication to providing this free resource to all Stat 217 students. He mentors graduate students, most recently through his work as the Director of Statistical Consulting and Research Services, and his dedication to supporting students as they learn to become statistical consultants is admirable.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU
Dr. Fred Peck, University of Montana, Missoula

Fred, an assistant professor, is a member of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Montana. Fred was nominated by Jake Warner, a classroom teacher. Fred was chosen for this award because of his continued efforts to better education in Montana through working with in-service and pre-service teachers. In describing Fred, Jake stated, “Fred Peck has changed the instruction in my classroom for the better in multiple ways. He created a balance scale solving equations unit that revolutionized how I teach solving equations. His online course on problem solving was the best online course I've ever taken. When presenting in person he is engaging and knowledgeable. Even though I am no longer in his class he happily gives his time to work with me on pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum.”

Pre-college Teacher of Mathematics in the State of Montana
Brooke Taylor, Billings Senior High School

Brooke Taylor teaches Grades 9-12 mathematics at Billings Senior High and received multiple nominations. She was selected because of her exemplary teaching at Billings Senior High School and outreach across the state. In particular, Brooke incorporates culturally responsive teaching to connect the lived experiences of her students with mathematics and historical and tribal culture in the state of Montana. Brooke volunteers her knowledge and expertise by presenting at math conferences across the state and, for the past three years, has given seminars for future mathematics teachers at Montana State University on how to incorporate Indian Education for All Standards within classroom instruction. Brooke is working on her doctorate in culturally responsive teaching and also has her National Board Certification.  

2019 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU
Eric Fink

Eric is a doctoral student working toward a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Eric has taught all four courses in the Calculus sequence, and has recently distinguished himself as a mentor to other graduate students teaching M273: Multivariable Calculus. Both Eric’s supervisor and his students comment that he is passionate about mathematics, well versed in the subject matter, and works to make difficult concepts digestible. He makes his classes engaging and goes above and beyond office hours to meet with students and make sure they feel supported.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Casey Clark

Casey is a non-tenure track instructor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences who primarily teaches 100 and 200 level courses in the calculus sequence. Casey’s students comment that she brings energy and enthusiasm to all of her courses. She is extremely adept at conveying challenging material through the incorporation of supplemental materials such as videos, technology, and worksheets. In addition, Casey shows unwavering support to all her students and, through her love of mathematics, has convinced students to major or minor in mathematics. In describing Casey, her supervisor stated, “I can say without hesitation or hyperbole that she is one of the department’s best instructors.”

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Andrew Hoegh

Andrew “Andy” Hoegh is an assistant professor of statistics in the Department of Mathematics Sciences. Since coming to MSU three years ago, Andy has taught a wide variety of graduate level courses with great intent and dedication. Specifically, he has worked to modernize STAT 408, flipping the classroom and applying for grant funding to support his teaching innovations. He has played an instrumental role in moving the new MS in Data Science program forward and organized DataFest at MSU, offering our students valuable experiences analyzing real life data and making connections to companies in the Bozeman area. In addition, graduate students speak highly of Andy’s teaching style and the enthusiasm in which he brings to all courses.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU
Dr. Terry Souhrada, Retired Department Head of Secondary Mathematics Education, Salish Kootenai College

Terry Souhrada is an accomplished mathematics educator with over 40 years of experience as a classroom teacher at the middle and high school levels across the state of Montana. Terry was a lead author on the SIMMS Integrated Mathematics Project that produced engaging and meaningful mathematics curricula for the high school level. He recently retired as the head of the Secondary Mathematics Education Department at Salish Kootenai College, where he designed and implemented a curriculum for the Associate of Science degree in Mathematical Science and the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: Mathematics programs. Terry has devoted his entire career to bettering the state of Montana and advancing K-16 students’ knowledge of mathematics.

2018 Recipients

Award Title Recipient Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU

Christian Stratton

Christian Stratton is a graduate teaching assistant in Statistics at MSU, a position he has held since 2017. Christian is a talented, enthusiastic and engaging instructor of Introductory Statistics. With his innovative teaching ideas, his availability for assistance, and his clear explanations, Christian creates a supportive and effective learning environment for his students. He eagerly shares his experiences and strategies with other graduate teaching assistants, distinguishing himself as an active and reflective teacher leader within the department. His expertise and enthusiasm as an instructor are valuable to the department and undergraduate students.                   

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU Elizabeth Mery

Elizabeth Mery is an Instructor on the Faculty at MSU, a position she has held since 2013. She is adept at teaching a wide variety of mathematics and statistics courses. She makes meaningful connections for students, and they consistently comment on her availability for assistance, clear and helpful mathematical explanations, and course organization. Elizabeth is a popular and valuable tutor for mathematics and statistics in the Math Learning Center. She is one of the few instructors in the department to achieve a perfect 5.0 student evaluation score in courses with over 30 students enrolled. Her proficiency as an instructor on our faculty is a huge asset to the Department and to undergraduates at MSU.

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU Dr. David Ayala

David is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at MSU, a position he has held since 2014. David is an accomplished classroom teacher, teaching graduate courses that are foundational to the master’s and doctoral programs in the Department. His careful supervision of graduate students, his one-on-one work with graduate students on individual problems and directed student learning, and his organization of a graduate student reading seminar in topology are all especially valuable. His contributions to graduate student learning are highly regarded by students and faculty alike.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU Dr. Jodi Fasteen, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Carroll College

Dr. Jodi Fasteen is an assistant professor of mathematics at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. She is the primary mathematics educator at Carroll and works to support both elementary and secondary teachers in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Dr. Fasteen’s research has focus on curriculum development, supporting prospective and in-service teachers, and statistics education at the undergraduate level.

Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Teaching Dacia Lackey, Hyalite Elementary School, 5th Grade Teacher, Bozeman, MT

Dacia Lackey is a fifth-grade teacher with over twenty years of experience at the elementary level. She is an innovative instructor who challenges her students to learn rich mathematics in meaningful ways. Her exceptional teaching skills were evidenced in 2016 when she was one of seven Montana finalists chosen for the prestigious national Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. In addition to being an exceptional instructor, Dacia has taken on leadership roles in the district helping to evaluate math and science curriculum and leading teachers in professional development. She also works collaboratively with university faculty on research projects and has published two articles describing her classroom work and lessons in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.

 

2017 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU

Katherine McWalters

Katherine is a masters student in the Masters of Mathematics-Mathematics Education program and will graduate this semester. Katherine came to MSU after teaching for several years as a high school teacher in Rhode Island and Switzerland. At MSU, she has taught each of the following courses: M121 (College Algebra), M 133 (Geometry and Measurement for K-8 Teachers), and M234 (Higher Mathematics for Elementary Teachers). Katherine is passionate and reflective in her teaching practices. She is always looking for ways to help students improve in their understanding. For example, this semester she engaged in an action research project to evaluate the role of different types of assessments on her students’ understanding. Her students appreciate her commitment to teaching and consistently give her high ratings. Katherine will join the NTT faculty in the department beginning Fall 2017.
Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Jerry Markman
Dr. Markman has been an NTT instructor at MSU since 2009. He has taught a wide variety of courses including M 171 (Calculus I), M 172 (Calculus II), M 273 (Multivariable Calculus) and M 274 (Differential Equations). His versatility in teaching the full range of 100- and 200- level calculus courses is a huge asset to the department. He is consistently recognized by his students as an outstanding instructor.
Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Laura Hildreth
Dr. Hildreth is a statistics faculty member who joined us in 2013. She has become a critical part of our teaching of statistics courses in the department, focusing on teaching statistical methods courses to graduate students in the department and graduate students from other departments. She holds the students to high standards, preparing them to do their own statistical analyses in a wide variety of areas. She consistently seeks out data sets from published research to challenge the students to develop skills that would help them to work on their own papers. When she began teaching the graduate statistical methods sequence, she explored the possibility of having daily homework, and the students liked it to so much that it has become a constant part of that class. She works to get to know her students to encourage them to ask questions and they routinely seek her out with questions outside of class.
Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU
Dr. Rich Rehberger, Dept Head Gallatin College, MSU-Bozeman
Dr. Rich Rehberger is the Department Head of the Gallatin College Department of Mathematics.  He has led the Gallatin College – Montana State University co-requisite initiative, and he was the co-chair of Montana’s Pathways Project, a program aimed at aligning students’ initial college math courses with their programs of study. He is instrumental in ensuring a successful transition for students who move from taking Gallatin College math courses to courses at Montana State. He is also an excellent mathematics instructor in his own right.
Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
Lisa Scott, Middle School Mathematics Teacher, Lewis and Clark Middle School, Billings, MT
Lisa Scott, a secondary mathematics teacher in Billings, earned two degrees from MSU (B.S. 1992, M.S. 2004). Her 25-year career includes many years of classroom teaching, serving as a district mathematics coach, providing professional development, and assuming leadership roles at the state and national level. Lisa’s accomplishments include receipt of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching (2002), election as President of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and appointment to the board of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. Her ongoing contributions to mathematics teaching and learning include authoring curriculum at the national level; assisting with writing and revising state content standards; consulting with individual school districts on mathematics reform; and leading statewide professional learning for K-12 mathematics leaders.

 

 

2016 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU

Anthony Gaussoin

Anthony is a doctoral student in the applied mathematics track. He is making excellent progress on his coursework and research. He has taught each of the following courses multiple times: M 121 (College Algebra), M 165 (Calculus for Technology I), M 171 (Calculus I), and M 273 (Multivariable Calculus) in his three years in the department. Students give him very high ratings. His course supervisor had the following to say about him: “Tony taught me that curl and cross both start with C, while divergence and dot both start with D.  We both taught early classes, and Tony often came by my office in the wee hours with tidbits like this.  I also lifted a few exam problems from Tony, as he had a knack for writing problems that got to the heart of the material without being opaque to the students.  Tony has the right combination of enthusiasm, creativity and effort that makes a great teacher.” We will continue to expect great instruction from him as he makes his way to completing his degree.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Jade Schmidt

Jade is the student success coordinator for STAT 216 (Introduction to Statistics). It was a notorious class on campus with a high failure rate. So high that the President was getting calls about it... Jade, working with Jim Robison-Cox (Associate Professor of Statistics) flipped the classrooms, writing their own set of materials for the course (basically a textbook), and have dramatically improved the student success rates in the class. The President now routinely mentions the successes of the changes made. Jade has been responsible for all the day-to-day running of the course, training of instructors and undergraduate assistants, and also has been working to target struggling students early with extra assistance. She also teaches the class and her sections are the highest rated and in high demand. She is a valued resource for the other instructors. She also has taught other courses for the department before she started this work and has won graduate student teaching awards for those efforts. She is one of our best non-tenure track teachers and it was great to be able to recognize that success with this award.

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Jack Dockery
Jack is a Professor of Mathematics and has a vibrant applied mathematics research program. He is very unassuming about himself but cares very deeply about his teaching and about helping others to succeed at all levels in our program. He has been heavily involved in M 171 (Calculus I) and making that a better course working with Veronica Baker (a previous Stannard Award winner) as the faculty course supervisor. His teaching responsibilities have been focused on upper level and graduate mathematics courses. He has worked to modernize the numerical linear algebra and optimization class to bring in “Big Data” problems. This puts it at the forefront of efforts to bring extremely useful tools to our students to prepare them for research or industry positions. He gets extremely high ratings from his students and pushes them to learn the material at a deep level. The other mathematics faculty use his as a resource whenever they are stuck on a problem and to make sure their students’ research and presentations are accurate and correct. He also received his bachelors and master’s here before getting his PhD at the University of Utah in 1987.
Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU
Dr. David Erickson, Professor of Mathematics Education, PJW College of Education at UM-Missoula

Dr. Erickson has been at UM for over 20 years. He is dedicated to designing productive learning experiences for prospective mathematics teachers, to recruiting and preparing “non-traditional” K-12 mathematics teachers, to developing leadership capacity among classroom teachers across Montana, and to building relationships between mathematicians and teachers of school mathematics. His accomplishments and activities this year include:

  • Instructing and facilitating an innovative mathematics methods course for pre-service secondary teachers; where he works alongside students in local schools for extended periods of time.
  • Leading a Noyce scholarship program in recent years to attract non-traditional students into the teacher profession.
  • Co-directing the Montana Math Teachers’ Circle project, which brings mathematicians and teachers in five cities together for informal exploration of mathematics.
  • Co-directing the MSP-LEAD program, which will prepare 28 mathematics and science teachers for leadership roles in the state and region.

Dr. Erickson is also a willing contributor to many mathematics organizations and endeavors in the state (e.g., Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Montana Learning Center). He is a rare example of a busy faculty member who also sacrifices time to support the broader enterprise of teaching and learning mathematics in Montana. 

Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
Shari Kepner, High School Mathematics Teacher, Park High School, Livingston, MT

Shari has taught in the Livingston schools for over 10 years. She has demonstrated excellence in teaching AP Calculus and other advanced courses, and earned a masters degree from MSU-Bozeman in secondary mathematics. Shari is a masterful teacher who challenges her students daily and cares deeply about their welfare. She is also an active leader in state efforts to improve mathematics, most notably serving as current director and coordinator of the statewide MCTM Math Contest. This year, Shari was invited to be the Teacher in Residence in MSU-Bozeman’s Mathematical Sciences department. In this role, she worked closely with prospective high school teachers nearing the end of their preparation. She also taught calculus as well as courses for future elementary teachers, demonstrating the breadth of her knowledge and ability to engage students at all levels. Shari will return to the classroom next fall, and will be an outstanding liaison between K-12 and higher education mathematics.

 

 

2015 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Description
Graduate Student Award for Teaching at MSU

Jennifer Weeding

Jennifer has taught M 165 and 166 (Calculus for Technology I and II), STAT 216 and 217 (Introductory and Intermediate Statistics) and M 145 (Math for the Liberal Arts) to very positive student feedback over her years in the department. She has volunteered to help in textbook selection for M 165/166. Dr. Kim Nordby (student success coordinator for M165/166) especially noted in her nomination that "Having Jennifer Weeding as a GTA for M166 for two semester has been an immense help to me in my position as the SSC. Jennifer has written exam reviews, contributed with input on exams, proctored evening exams, providing input into homework problems, shared quizzes and solutions and she has really gone above and beyond what is expected of her as a GTA. M166 would not have the success rate it had last semester without Jennifer's hard work to help improve the class.” Dr. Mark Greenwood has also observed Jennifer in the class-room when teaching M 145 and STAT 217 and noted that she did an excellent job in the classroom. She answered student questions with confidence and she presented new material in a clear and concise manner. She made sure all the students were engaged in the material being presented.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Corinne Casolara

Corinne is the student success coordinator for Calculus II (M 172) which involves being involved in the day-to-day running of the course, writing exams, setting schedules and policies, etc. She has worked with the faculty supervisor (Dr. Mark Pernarowski) to revamp the curriculum and provide enhanced support for struggling students. She has recorded dozens of short videos that provide students with either first or second exposures to the concepts in the course. She has incredibly high teaching evaluation ratings from students while maintaining strict standards. She makes an effort to see all of the instructors teach the course she supervises and provide them with useful feedback to improve the instruction in all the sections of this critical course. She has been teaching two sections of M 172 each semester since returning to MSU two years ago. 

Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Lukas Geyer

Lukas is an associate professor of mathematics and has maintained strong student evaluations teaching mainly core theoretical mathematics courses. Dr. Jennifer Luebeck has an office near Lukas’s and because of our paper-thin walls, hears him working with students and remarked about his availability and concern for students when they came by to ask questions about the material in the courses. In recent years, he has taught the undergraduate and graduate level versions of Abstract Algebra (M 431 and 504), Measure Theory (M 547), Complex Analysis (M 551) and a graduate special topics course. He also is involved with lower-level courses but has focused most of his instructional efforts on keeping the PhD program in Mathematics viable by offering these critical courses and excelling in teaching them. Lukas has also been involved in writing and grading comprehensive exams and had his first two PhD students complete their degrees this spring.

Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at Institution Other than MSU
Dr. Matt Roscoe, Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, University of Montana

Matt Roscoe is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Montana. Matt is active in mathematics education at the local, state, and national levels. He edits a column in the NCTM journal Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, contributes to Team Desmos and the GeoGebra community (both are technology-based groups), and participates in Project NExT. At the local level, Matt has obtained seed funding to launch a Montana Middle School Teachers Circle in the Missoula area, and is partnering with Missoula County Public Schools to begin a "bridge to algebra" program for incoming freshmen at Big Sky High School this summer. Matt’s research interests center around developing creative and investigative approaches to teaching mathematics, and on using technology tools and software to support the teaching of challenging concepts.

Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
Eric Humberger, Bozeman School District and Montana State University

Eric Humberger has taught mathematics at Bozeman High School for over 15 years. He has taught a wide variety of courses, including AP Calculus and engineering-focused classes through Project Lead the Way, has served as head of his department, and has hosted many prospective teachers from MSU in his classroom. Eric took a one-year leave of absence in 2014-15 to accept a position as the Lyle Andersen Mathematics Education Teacher in Residence in the MSU Department of Mathematical Sciences. In this role, Eric taught courses for pre-service secondary mathematics teachers, interacted with Ph.D. students in mathematics education, and worked closely with MSU students completing field experiences and student teaching. Eric’s presence both at Bozeman HS and MSU has helped improve connections and collaboration between MSU and local schools, and he has a growing involvement in statewide and regional outreach.

 

2014 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Excellence in Graduate Student Professional Presentation Award

Sydney Akapame                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU

Veronica Baker

Excellence in Graduate Mathematics Teaching by Faculty at MSU
Dr. Steve Cherry
Excellence in Outstanding Service to the State of Montana in Mathematical Science Education
Dr. Jennifer Luebeck
Excellence in Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Teaching
Don Hickethier, Flathead Community College

 

2013 Recipients

Award Title
Recipient
Excellence in Graduate Student Professional Presentation Award

Kelly Spendlove                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Excellence in Lower Division Mathematical Sciences Instruction
Tom Hayes
Excellence in Upper Division Mathematical Sciences Instruction
Dr. Lisa Davis
Excellence in Graduate Mathematical Sciences Instruction
Dr. Megan Higgs
Outstanding Service to the State of Montana in Mathematical Sciences Education
LeAnne Yenny, Teacher at Sacajawea Middle School, Bozeman and MSU Teacher in Residence

Excellence in Mathematical Sciences Instruction

 

Dr. Jim Hirstein, Department of Mathematics, University of Montana