I have observed many fantastic math and science teachers, and they inspire me to try new things, collaborate on projects, and risk failure. My students inspire me to work harder, learn more instructional strategies, and have fun doing it. I aspire to put the FUN in FUNdamental concepts. Being recognized for being a life-long learner, a creative teacher, and a contributor to my Professional Learning Community is humbling and, at the same time, validating.
Cynthia Couchman is in her 20th year of teaching high school mathematics, having taught everything from Applied Mathematics to Advance Placement (AP) Calculus. She taught at Concordia High School for 5 years before accepting her current position at Buhler High School, where she teaches AP Calculus, college algebra, and geometry and serves as a mentor and collaborative leader.
Cynthia is active in promoting Professional Learning Communities in her district and is a firm believer in the three R’s of education: relationships, relevance, and rigor. To make mathematics relevant, students build parabolic reflectors, design drawings using conic sections, and design and build miniature golf holes.
Cynthia is a national semifinalist for the National Education Association's Excellence in Education Award and was selected as the 2010 Kansas State University College of Education Alumni Fellow. In 2009, she served as the Kansas Teacher of the Year. She is a published author in Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul and Best Practices for High School Teachers.
Cynthia has a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in Educational Administration from Kansas State University. She is National Board Certified in adolescent and young adulthood mathematics.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between the Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Subra Suresh and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. John P. Holdren
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
