Glenda Lappan has devoted herself to improving middle school mathematics. She modeled exemplary teaching, conducted research, mentored researchers, developed innovative curricular programs, shared her insight as a national and regional meeting presenter, and served as a spokesperson for mathematics educators before policymakers.
In the 1980s Lappan collaborated with colleagues to create the Middle Grades Mathematics Project Materials. She contributed to the development of the seminal
Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics
(1989) as the grades 5-8 writing group chair, and in 1991 she led the follow-up project,
Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics.
Lappan actively supported NCTM as a member of the Board of Directors (1989-92) and as president (1998-2000). During her presidency,
Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
was published.
She has also worked in Washington, D.C., as vice-chair of the Mathematical Sciences Education Board at the National Academy of Sciences (1994-98) and on the National Education Research Policy and Priorities Board of the U.S. Department of Education for nine years. At the time of this writing she is chair of the Mathematical Sciences Education Board and a member of the National Research Council's U.S. National Committee on Mathematical Instruction.