Reston, Va., October 5, 2016 - Adam Presler, a junior at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. has been awarded the Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Course Work Scholarship presented by the Mathematics Education Trust (MET) of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The $10,000 scholarship, which is named in recognition of the outstanding contributions to mathematics education made by professors Frank Demana and Bert K. Waits of The Ohio State University and supported by the Texas Instruments Demana-Waits Fund, will help Presler continue his undergraduate studies in mathematics. Presler is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The scholarship provides funding for tuition, books, and other academic expenses to full-time university students who are rising juniors preparing to become certified teachers of secondary mathematics.
Presler always said he did not want to be a teacher, which is the profession both of his parents chose, but it was the words of someone he hardly knew that set him on the path to becoming a teacher. A man he spoke with was lamenting that the education system needed more good teachers. And with that Presler declared himself a math major and he continues to look for ways to help others by tutoring students and assisting a middle school classroom of English Language Learner (ELL) students.
Presler earned the scholarship on the basis of his academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and volunteer community projects, all of which demonstrate the leadership, dedication, and selflessness needed by a successful math teacher. All those who recommended Presler spoke of his commitment to helping others and his kindness. Each is confident that Presler will make an excellent teacher.
For 40 years, the Mathematics Education Trust has channeled the generosity of contributors through the creation and funding of grants, awards, honors, and other projects that support the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning. The trust provides funds to support in-service teachers in improving their classroom practices and increasing their mathematical knowledge and also provides funds for prospective teachers.
About NCTM
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for each and every student. With 70,000 members and more than 200 Affiliates, NCTM is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. The Council's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics includes guidelines for excellence in mathematics education and issues a call for all students to engage in more challenging mathematics. Its Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics identifies the most important mathematical topics for each grade level. Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making advocates practical changes to the high school mathematics curriculum to refocus learning on reasoning and sense making. Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All describes the policies and actions required for a high-quality mathematics education for each and every student. NCTM is dedicated to ongoing dialogue and constructive discussion with all stakeholders about what is best for our nation's students.
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