Caldwell, ID - Mathematics
Receiving the Presidential Award is an honor. My journey started five years ago when I joined the Developing Mathematical Thinking Project at Boise State University. I learned to create a classroom that uses tasks for problem solving--critical for taking students' thinking to deeper levels. I create a discourse where children justify their ideas to broaden their conceptual understanding. I'm grateful for support from my principal, colleagues, and researchers. They helped every step of the way.
Ms. Erb was a key resource in developing Lincoln Elementary's mathematics program. She served as Math Coach for teachers and Math Intervention Teacher for fourth and fifth grade students. She was also a member of the Math Parent Night Committee and the Technology Committee. Participating in Mathematics and Science Partnership grants, Ms. Erb won praise for her reflective approach and ability to ask critical questions and press her students to think deeply. A university liaison and professional development specialist called her one of the best teachers he has worked with in 20 years.
Ms. Erb is recognized for her ability to motivate and challenge a broad spectrum of students. She is known for working tirelessly to develop her understanding of how students learn mathematical concepts. She presented at the fall 2007 Conference of the Idaho Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Her principal praised her as the finest teacher he knows.
Ms. Erb has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an M.Ed. in multicultural education with an English as a Second Language endorsement from Northern Arizona University. She also took distance education graduate classes in reading at Utah State University and is pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a mathematics emphasis from Boise State University. She is certified in elementary education for all subjects, with an English Language Learners endorsement.
