Carol DeFreese, a mathematics teacher at DuBray Middle School in St. Peters, MO, has been teaching mathematics for 21 years. Ms. DeFreese has worked in the Fort Zumwalt School District for six years as a mathematics teacher and is currently chair of the school's mathematics department. She teaches Pre-Algebra I and General Mathematics at the seventh-grade level.
Students in Ms. DeFreese's classroom experience an upbeat learning environment with many opportunities for success. She takes the time to evaluate each student's skills and monitor his or her progress, addressing any areas of concern. She regularly volunteers her lunchtime to attend to students' needs.
In addition to the individual attention she gives her students, Ms. DeFreese uses innovative instructional techniques and introduces exciting projects that allow students to showcase their mastery of mathematics. They discover that mathematics is not just an academic subject but a valuable resource they will use throughout their lives. It is common for students to return to the school and attest to the positive impact Ms. DeFreese's teaching had on them.
Prior to coming to Dubray Middle School, Ms. DeFreese worked at the University of Missouri-St. Louis as a lecturer and math lab supervisor at the Center for Academic Development. She continues to serve as a part-time lecturer at the university.
Ms. DeFreese is certified to teach grades seven through twelve mathematics. She has a B.S. in applied mathematics (computer science) and an M.Ed. in secondary mathematics from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also has a Bachelor of Journalism in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.