September 27, 2017 - Brennan Kastens, a sophomore at Eastern University in St. Davids, Penn. 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 Kastens continue his undergraduate studies in mathematics. Katens is from Nashua, New Hampshire.
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.
Kastens was always good at math, he recalls early success with addition and subtraction, but it was not until he was in middle school when he had three male teachers who he connected with did he consider becoming a teacher. Once in high school Kastens realized two key things about teachers: good teachers can have a profound impact on their students and that there is a need for good math teachers. He believes that math education is one of the most important parts of a student's education.
Kastens 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 Kastens spoke of his strong understanding of mathematics and his leadership skills. Each is confident that Kastens will make an excellent teacher.
For more than 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, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for each and every student through vision, leadership, professional development and research. It is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. NCTM is dedicated to ongoing dialogue and constructive discussion with all stakeholders about what is best for students and envisions a world where everyone is enthused about mathematics, sees the value and beauty of mathematics, and is empowered by the opportunities mathematics affords.
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