Reston, Va., August 17, 2018- Laurence Bissett, a sophomore at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing, New Jersey, 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, will help Bissett continue his undergraduate studies in mathematics. Bissett, from Chatham, New Jersey, has plans to attend graduate school.
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.
In middle school, Bissett found mathematics difficult and struggled to understand the concepts behind what he was learning. Things changed for Bissett his freshman year of high school when he realized that putting the effort into understanding the material gave him confidence and made him feel more comfortable with the content. Whereas once Bissett was the one seeking others for help, he became the one his peers were turning to for guidance. Bissett tutored students in high school and continues to do so at TCNJ.
Bissett earned the scholarship on the basis of his academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and volunteer community projects, all of which demonstrated the leadership, dedication, and selflessness needed by a successful math teacher. All those who recommended Bissett spoke of his dedication, his true understanding of mathematics, and his ability to help others. Each was confident that Bissett 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.
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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.
Media Contact: Stacey Finkel, [email protected], (703) 304-1377.