Tag Archives: Math Teachers

Milken Educator Brian Quinn, from Silver Spring, Maryland

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Brian Quinn

Milken Educator award winner Brian Quinn, a fourth grade mathematics teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland.

American schools are very fortunate to enjoy the benefit of a multitude  of talented educators. One of these is Brian Quinn, a fourth grade mathematics teacher at East Silver Spring Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland. In 2018, Brian was recognized for his work with a Milken Educator Award.

Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University in 2006. He completed the requirements for his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for middle school mathematics from the University of Maryland in 2013.

In Brian’s classroom, students play board games and computer games, they work together in small groups using cooperative learning strategies, and they even create their own math games, designing the rules and writing instructions for their classmates to follow.

“If mathematics is the music of reason, Brian Quinn is a gifted conductor bringing the best out of his fourth-grade ensemble,” Jane Foley, the Milken Family Foundation vice president, said. “As a strong proponent of project-based learning, technology integration and smart data, he brings math to all of his learners so they can maximize their potential,” she continued. “We commend Quinn’s creativity, drive and dedication, qualities we value deeply in Milken Educators,” Foley concluded.

The Milken Educator Awards has been described by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.” In addition to the $25,000 cash prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 exemplary teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who work towards strengthening best practices in education. Brian is the only teacher in Maryland to receive the award this year. He is one of up to 40 educators to receive the Milken Educator Award for the 2018-2019 year.

Major League Baseball player James Brideweser also taught high school math

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James Brideweser

Math teacher and Major League Baseball player James Brideweser

Many successful athletes also become successful educators. One of these is James Brideweser, a Major League Baseball player who went on to teach high school mathematics in California.

James was born on February 13, 1927, in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio. After his graduation from Washington High School in Los Angeles, he served his county in the military during World War II. He then earned his degree from the University of Southern California.

The 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop and second baseman inaugurated his MLB career with the New York Yankees, for whom he played three years. In 1954 he played for the Baltimore Orioles, and then he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, for whom he played in 1955-1956. The last team he played for was the Detroit Tigers. In all, James’ career panned the years 1951 to 1957.

Once he completed his career in baseball, James earned his teaching credentials. He secured a job as a mathematics teacher and Title IX counselor at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. He also served as the coach of their varsity baseball team, which logged two championship seasons under his leadership.

James passed away on August 25, 1989, in El Toro, Orange County, California. He was 62 years old.

Tom Payeur named Vermont’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year

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Tom Payeur

Educator Tom Payeur named Vermont’s 2019 State Teacher of the Year.

The Agency of Education for the State of Vermont has announced that their 2019 Vermont Teacher of the Year is Tom Payeur, a mathematics teacher at Winooski Middle/High School in Winooski, Chittenden County,Vermont.

Tom’s career as a math teacher has spanned six years, all at Winooski. Even though he is relatively new to the profession, he has been hailed as an innovator in proficiency-based education. He has been instrumental in his District’s efforts to teach their students 21st-century math skills. His efforts have obviously been noticed by officials at the state level. “Through his leadership, Tom helped his colleagues merge their math curriculum into a single online curriculum to provide flexible pathways for students,” declares Vermont Secretary of Education Daniel French. “And, to quote one of his peers, Tom Payeur is ‘undoubtedly the most visionary math teacher I’ve known in two decades of teaching.”

The talented educator says his students constantly challenge him to explore new ways of problem-solving. “The interest and fun comes out when they’re really given the chance to work with each other, to make models, to share ideas,” Tom asserts. “I try as much as possible to share with them the fact that learning math is not so much about memorizing things, it’s about the ability to break down a problem, see what’s true about it, and then find solutions that work,” he continues.

Tom earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics in 2010 and his Master’s degree in Secondary Education in 2012, both at the University of Vermont located in Burlington, Vermont.

Congratulations, Tom!

Middle school teacher Julie Blaha elected Minnesota State Auditor

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Julie Blaha

Middle school teacher Julie Blaha elected Minnesota State Auditor.

Throughout our history there have been many examples of excellent classroom teachers that have gone on to successful careers in politics. One of these is Julie Blaha, a middle school math teacher from Ramsey, Minnesota, who was elected her state’s official auditor.

Julie earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in 1992. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2007.

Once she completed her college education, Julie accepted a position as a middle school math teacher for the Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District #11. From 1999-2010 she taught seventh grade math, and from 2014-2016 she taught sixth grade math.

As a teacher, Julie became a member of the Governor’s School Finance Task Force, she advocated for statewide anti-bullying legislation to protect LGBTQ students, and she worked with parents to increase school funding. During these years, she also served as the president of the Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota and as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO.

In 2018, Julie was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of Minnesota State Auditor. She was sworn in to office on January 7, 2019. Minnesota is one of only 24 states that elect an auditor. The position focuses on the oversight of about $20 billion spent by local governments yearly, and involves auditing, reviewing, investigating, reporting, and educating.

Today, she is affiliated with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless; the Minnesota chapter of the National Organization for Women; the Minnesota Safe Schools Technical Advisory Committee; the Minnesota School Finance Task Force; and the City of Ramsey Economic Development Authority.

Tennessee teacher Erica Stephens garners prestigious Milken Educator Award

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Erica Stephens

Fourth grade mathematics teacher Erica Stephens from Memphis, Tennessee, garners prestigious 2018 Milken Award.

Our country is so fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented educators working in our public schools. One of these is Erica Stephens, a fourth grade mathematics teacher at John P. Freeman Optional School located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Erica uses innovative approaches that encourage her students to explore real-world solutions to real-world problems. She is part of her school’s leadership and data teams. She uses her understanding of data analysis to understand every student’s needs, and she tailors her instruction to meet those needs. Last year, students in her math classes exceeded projected growth scores on the Shelby County Schools’ formative assessment, with 86% of the children testing at the proficient level or higher.

Erica is also committed to helping her colleagues improve their teaching skills. As fourth-grade team leader, Erica has participated in the principal’s advisory team. She is a mentor for both beginning and veteran teachers, and she conducts professional development at her school, for her district, and on a national level, including leading discussions on Eureka Math, a curriculum she pioneered in her school district.

The Milken Educator Awards, which Teacher magazine has described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” has been honoring exceptional educators over 30 years. Milken Educators are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved to date, and for the promise of what they will accomplish as they continue through their careers. In addition to the $25,000 cash prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 top teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who are dedicated to strengthening education.

Erica completed the requirements for her Bachelor’s degree in 2002 from Middle Tennessee State University, a public institution of higher learning located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.