Any recognition I receive for my teaching I share with an inspiring team of teachers, administrators, students, and families who are dedicated to the idea that education should empower individuals to think for themselves. I am heartened that teaching mathematics for understanding has been given presidential recognition. I see the award as a call to continue to improve teaching through constant learning and collaboration with other teachers.
Lisa Suben taught eighth grade mathematics in Louisiana for 2 years before moving to Washington, DC, where she was a founding teacher of KIPP DC: AIM Academy. For the 6 years since then, she has taught mathematics to each entering class of AIM Academy fifth graders.
Lisa inspires enthusiastic mathematicians by creating a space where students build their own conceptual understanding. She calibrates her program to match the unique skills of each cohort, and she develops specialized remediation for small groups and individuals. Lisa strives to bring joy into the classroom, and she is always seeking new strategies to reach students, which may involve wearing costumes, singing, or doing art projects. She began the annual schoolwide Metric Olympics and Pi Day events.
Lisa has served as Grade Level and Mathematics Department Chair. She helps her colleagues plan lessons, use data, and deepen their understanding of content. She also gives professional development presentations to school staff. Lisa served as an Edwards Fellow in Boston Public Schools, collaborating with and modeling effective teaching for other teachers.
Lisa has a B.S. in economics from George Washington University (GWU), and this year she will graduate with a master's degree in mathematics for middle school teachers from GWU.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between Associate Director for Science of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Carl Wieman and Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Cora Marrett
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
