Awards

We are thrilled to announce that OCTM member J. Michael Shaughnessy of Portland has been honored with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics Education. The award announcement notes that he has "spent more than 40 years teaching mathematics and has inspired students and teachers. With his integrity and sense of humor, he has engaged his students to think about critically important ideas in mathematics education through his dedicated teaching, research publications and talks and presentations." Congratulations!!

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the country's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Outstanding teachers are chosen from each U.S. state and jurisdiction and serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Winners receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the awards ceremony.

Oregon's 2016 PAEMST award-winning math teacher, as announced in June 2018, is OCTM member Melissa Straughan of Waverly Elementary School in Albany. The previous two PAEMST award-winning math teachers were third grade teacher Sarah Luvaas from Redland Elementary School in Oregon City and Newport High School math teacher Brian Hanna, also OCTM members. Congratulations to all!

Melissa Straughan

OCTM Math Education Awards

Each year the OCTM Executive Board gives awards that recognize and honor teachers and leaders. The recipients exemplify the spirit and dedication of mathematics teaching in Oregon. Nominations for the Mildred Bennett Elementary Math Education Award, the Oscar Schaaf Secondary Mathematics Education Award, and the Oregon Mathematics Education Hall of Fame are due each April 1, and awards are presented at the August Oregon Math Leaders (OML) Conference. Click here for the nomination form.

Mildred Bennett Elementary Math Education Award

The Mildred Bennett Elementary Math Education Award is given to an elementary or middle school teacher based on the following criteria:

A spirit of joy and work ethic which promote quality mathematics education for all children
An innovative approach in taking ideas and adapting them
Exemplary work in his or her own school
An ongoing commitment of time and energy to improve teaching in his or her community
Support and promotion of mathematics throughout the state.

The Mildred Bennett award winners for 2017 and 2018 are Steve Wyborney and Jennifer Bell. Congratulations and thank you for all your contributions to elementary math education!

Past recipients have been Mildred Bennett, Joanne Wilkie, Judy Johnson, Diane Price-Stone, Pam Alexander, Jackie Nissen, Phil Bartsch, Shirley Payne, Jerri Wickert, Kathryn Warrior, Jackie Cooke, Tari Querin, Jan Hill, Kayda Mitchell, Kathy Reed, Cheryl Klampe-Van Hess, Ann McMahon, Giny Christensen, Jill Board, Nancy Anderson, Cheri Clausen, Jan Gillespie, Molly Smith and Jane Osborne.

Oscar Schaaf Secondary Mathematics Education Award

The Oscar Schaaf Secondary Mathematics Education Award is given to a middle, high school or college teacher based on the following criteria:

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 a mentor, offering support and guidance long-term involvement with the mathematics community.

The Oscar Schaaf award winner for 2018 is Marge Burak. Thank you, Marge, for your educational leadership, and congratulations!

Past recipients have been Oscar Schaaf, Scott McFadden, Jim Young, Wally Rogelstad, Richard Brannan, Chuck Peterson, Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Tom Swanson, Tom Stone, Jim Specht, Gwen and Ron Waite, Brent Freeman, Ralph Schubothe, Sue Ann McGraw, Trudy Mitchell, Linda Samek, Mike Gould, Fred Board, Karen Higgins, Winnie Miller, Lynn Bonser, Marie Cramer, Patty Sandoz, Jill Sumerlin, and Don Crossfield.

Oregon Mathematics Education Hall of Fame

Nominations for this award should consider those who have:

A long history of service and achievement to math education in Oregon
A commitment to making a change in the quality of math education
A history of time and involvement with OCTM; and have
Given of themselves through workshops, articles, presentations and personal contact.

The Hall of Fame awardee for 2018 is Jill Sumerlin. Congratulations and gratitude from the math education community!

Past Oregon Mathematics Education Hall of Fame members are Mildred Bennett, Bill Burger, Oscar Schaaf, Don Fineran, Gene Maier, Ron Morgali, Dwight Lippe, Linda Foreman, Ron Nicholson, Wally Rogelstad, Marj Enneking, Richard Brannan, Doug Cruikshank, Chuck Peterson, Judy Johnson, Ted Nelson, J. Michael Shaughnessy, Cathy Brown, Thomas Dick, Jim Specht, Diane Price-Stone and Tom Stone, Tari Querin, Cathy Bernhard, Jackie Cooke, Sara Normington, Nancy Anderson, and Brent Freeman.