Linda Samek, The Oscar Schaaf Secondary Mathematics Education Award

The Oscar Schaaf Secondary Mathematics Education Award is given to a middle, high school, or college teacher who has shown enthusiasm as a person, teacher and leader that reflects the person for whom the award is named; demonstration of thinking by using a model that makes mathematics meaningful; an organized focus for his or her teaching; great interest in problem solving; generous sharing of information, serving as mentor, offering support and guidance; and a long-term involvement with the mathematics community.

Linda Samek has spent over 30 years in education that has included a wide variety of experiences to make her a long time leader and presence in Oregon Math Education. In nominating Linda for this award, Julie Keener states that “Linda has the gift of being able to interpret, translate, and share her knowledge in a clear, concise, always professional manner.” If you talked with Linda, you would know exactly what she meant. Linda’s easy going style has benefited her throughout her career from its early beginnings to being a seasoned veteran. Linda knew she wanted to be a teacher as far back as her freshman year of high school. Her high school algebra teacher made her responsible for some other students in class and she enjoyed the experience so much she joined Future Teachers of America. Working with other students, peer tutoring, and seeing the need for context to make mathematics meaningful set the foundation for Linda’s beliefs about effective teaching strategies. After receiving her degree in Science Education Linda experienced the life of a substitute teacher and taught all levels from middle through high school as well as teaching all the content areas until she finally landed in a semi-self contained 7^th grade assignment. She enjoyed teaching and taught just about everything those first years, and went on to teach and coach for a number of years before she received her Master’s in Math Education.

The emphasis in Linda’s teaching and work has always been a problem solving approach. From middle school up through high school and on to college, Linda has always encouraged students to talk about what they’re doing and their rationale for making sense of mathematics. Through watching others struggle with learning math along with realizing the importance of one’s attitude toward problem solving, Linda has modeled and taught the importance of problem solving at every level. The impact on student engagement is so significant that Linda has emphasized this approach through out her career as an exemplary teacher, leader, and mentor in Oregon’s Math Education Community. Add to this her work on completing her doctorate, teaching future teachers mathematics and mathematics education, and her involvement with numerous professional organizations and advisory groups and you have a remarkable individual who has continued to give of herself and her time to better math education.

As a strong voice for TOTOM (Teachers of Teachers of Mathematics) Linda has helped to strengthen the connection between K-12 education and private and public universities. While working for TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) Linda has led a review of the requirements for teaching mathematics in Oregon. While serving as chair of the Oregon Mathematics Education Council (OMEC), Linda was able to take recommendations to TSPC and facilitate their adoption into law. And, while serving on the “Chalkboard Project,” Linda is helping those from business and the general public to better understand the realities of K-16 education in Oregon.

Linda’s friend and colleague, Karen Higgins, Mathematics Professor at Oregon State University, writes “I have known Linda and worked with her for over 20 years. I consider her to be a wonderful colleague and friend.  Her calmness and gentle caring are two qualities I admire most in our friendship.  She is one of the most professional people I have had the pleasure to work with, and she always has a sense of humor to go along with any situation, no matter how difficult it may be.  She seems to know everything about everything, and I know I can always count on her for information or advice--or even as a sounding block.  She is highly respected within the mathematics community and her influence as an educator extends well into the national arena. There just isn't anyone like Linda Samek!” This is echoed by Nicole Rigelman, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at George Fox University, who writes of Linda, “I have known Linda for the last seven years and have collaborated with her on a number of projects and presentations.  Linda is active in a number of organizations including Oregon Math Leaders, Teachers of Teachers of Mathematics, and Oregon Mathematics Education Council. Her passion for high quality mathematics teaching for all students is evident through her actions in these settings and beyond. Linda is always willing to take an active stance toward decisions that she feels are not in the best interest for Oregon's students (whether those students are K-12 students or prospective teachers). I always admire her strong, yet calming presence, even when the conversations are not easy. I greatly value her contributions to the mathematics education community in Oregon.”

Linda’s long time friend and colleague, Cathy Brown writes in her nomination of Linda for this award: “During all of the years I’ve known Linda, she has been a constant presence at Oregon Math Leaders (often as a presenter) and a strong advocate for mathematics education at all levels. She is extremely worthy of any award the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics should consider for her.”

Linda currently serves as provost and professor of teacher education at Corban College where her husband, Tom, is Director of Campus Care. She has two sons Jeremiah, 25, and David, 23, who are both mechanics and use math in practical applications. Linda is native to the Willamette Valley and comes from a farming background. Her dad had a degree in Agricultural Engineering and always encouraged her to do her best along with high expectations. Linda enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.