Shirley Hill's devotion to mathematics education increased during her years as NCTM president (1978-1980). She developed a blueprint for mathematics education reform that culminated with the NCTM Standards. Hill rallied public support of education by attending congressional hearings, talking with legislators, and cultivating relationships with other organizations to influence the world of mathematics education. She played a prominent role in the production of An Agenda for Action, which established the direction of NCTM, and the 1989
Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics.
Hill contributed to mathematics education as a teacher at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. Over the years she was a consultant to many school districts and state departments of education. She offered her expertise through her involvement with mathematics education projects and her contributions to published works. Her drive and motivation in the mathematical community earned her several leadership positions in education organizations, both at national and local levels.
In addition to the MET Lifetime Achievement Award, she received the University of Missouri-Kansas City Alumni Award, the UMKC Professor of the Year award, and the Harold W. McGraw, Jr., Prize in Education, and is listed in the
Who's Who of American Women
and
The World Who's Who of Women.