Past President: Winnie Miller
1. Where did you go to college and why did you choose this
school?
Western Oregon University (OCE at the time); My high school
counselor was from Oregon and I also had friends working on their
masters at OCE at the time. Collectively we all decided that this young
lady from Guam should probably start out at a small college.
2. Where have you taught? What grade level(s)?
I worked part time as a mathematics consultant for Clackamas ESD
assisting K-12 teachers in their professional development.~ before that I taught middle school
mathematics for 17 years and high school mathematics for 13 years.~
3. What is your current professional focus (job)?
Currently I'm teaching for Portland State University, and also
work as a math coach for two school districts through my work with the PDC and
TIPS (Teachers Inspiring Problem Solving). I'm also a contributing editor
for Teacher to Teacher Publications and serve on the board for TIPS. As
a TI-Nspire Fast Tracker, I do demonstration as well as model lessons in
classrooms using the new TI Nspire from Texas Instruments.
4. How and why did you get involved with OCTM?
During my first year of teaching, my department chairperson took
me to a math conference in Florence, OR. I joined OCTM at that time and
continued to attend conferences and brunches. Shortly after attending my
first Oregon Math Leaders conference, I agreed to serve as an OCTM
Representative. Shortly after presenting and presiding at the NWMC, I
served in different roles on the NWMC Planning Committee.
5. What kind of math leadership roles have you taken in the
Oregon Math Community?
Other experiences include being a presenter at local, state,
regional and national math conferences, scoring director for the State Math
Problem Solving, and teacher advisor to the Oregon State Board of
Education. I also serve as the liaison for the Oregon Milken Educators and
the Milken Family Foundation. In addition I'm also serving on the NCTM Regional
Planning Committee that will be held in Reno in 2008.
6. What are you passionate about (personal or professional )?
Mathematics problem solving is my passion! I personally
enjoy solving rich tasks myself, sharing that kind of mathematical thinking and
passion with other colleagues, students and now grandchildren, too. I
love to see the multiple approaches that can be used to solve these kinds of
tasks which also bring out the best in mathematical thinking and really levels
the playing field. I love learning and being challenged. In my spare time
I'm very passionate about golf.
7. What one word do you think best describes you?
Activator (although I've been accused of being a Catalyst many times, too!)