Ohio math teacher Geoff Brown garners prestigious Sliffe Award

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Ohio teacher Geoff Brown has garnered a prestigious Edith May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School. Photo Credit: Chagrin Falls Middle School

Congratulations go to Ohio math teacher Geoff Brown. He has garnered a prestigious Edith May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School. This national award, given by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), recognizes the work of outstanding classroom teachers.

Geoff currently teaches at Chagrin Falls Middle School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. There he instructs courses in Honors Geometry and Algebra. This Chalkboard Champion is known among his colleagues for his ability to connect math curriculum to real-world experiences, daily news, and students’ interests. “We are constantly on the lookout for how the patterns we’re exploring appear in the real world,” says Geoff.

Through his engaging teaching methods, his own enthusiasm for math, and his dedication to building students’ confidence in tackling tough problems, Geoff inspires a long-lasting appreciation for mathematics. ”We learn that it’s OK to take risks and make mistakes, which happens a lot when we’re trying to use our creativity to solve unfamiliar problems,” explains Geoff.
In addition to instructing his curriculum, Geoff encourages his students to participate in the MAA’s annual AMC 8 competition, a multiple-choice exam that promotes the development of problem-solving skills. Not only is Geoff an exemplary leader in the classroom, but he is also a leader in his school district as a member of his District Leadership Team.

Before joining the staff of the middle school, Geoff taught at Chagrin Falls High School. Altogether, his career as an educator spans more than 20 years.

As part of his recognition, Geoff received a $500 cash award and an all-expense paid trip attend the 2024 MAA MathFest National Conference last August. The event annually draws mathematicians from all around the country.