Susan Buckley, a high school mathematics teacher at Randy Smith Middle School in Fairbanks, AK, has been teaching for 23 years. For the past four years, she has been teaching seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics, algebra I, and geometry/trigonometry. She also teaches a literature class for eighth graders. She previously taught mathematics in elementary and middle schools in Colorado.
Ms. Buckley exhibits excellent skills in differentiated instruction and in creating and developing accommodations for special needs. She demonstrates an excellent understanding of the skills and resources needed to support student’s individual needs. When a student struggles, she finds support for the student through aides, volunteers, special education teachers, and tutors. She challenges students to be problem solvers and learn how to learn.
In and out of the classroom, Ms. Buckley is an enthusiastic and energetic mentor and educational leader. She has successfully coached MathCounts teams and offers help with mathematics in before- and after-school programs as well as during her lunch break. Of particular note is her advocacy of “Step Up To Writing” and other efforts to integrate writing into the mathematics curriculum.
Ms. Buckley has participated in numerous professional activities ranging from conference presentations to curriculum and textbook adoption committees.
Ms. Buckley was named a White House Honoree as one of the first teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She is certified as a teacher of elementary and kindergarten through grade twelve special education: hearing impaired and as a middle school generalist. She has a B.A. in elementary education/special education (summa cum laude) and an M.A. in special education: hearing impaired from the University of North Colorado.