Newark, DE - Mathematics
Being chosen to receive the Presidential Award is a tremendous honor. I am proud to represent the many dedicated teachers in Delaware who strive to make mathematics attainable for all children. This award validates my belief that when children investigate, discuss, and solve problems using their own strategies, they become more confident and therefore more successful with math. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet teachers from around the country who share in my love of teaching.
Mathematics lessons in Mrs. Fredricks's classroom are 60 minutes long. She holds her students' attention by using the Investigations curriculum to engage and challenge them. They solve open-ended problems, share strategies in small groups and with the class, explain their thinking, and write in journals. Colleagues say that students clearly love learning in this way and feel excited and confident about learning mathematics.
Hailed as a reflective practitioner and extraordinary teacher of mathematics, Mrs. Fredricks is also known as "Mrs. Math" in her school, district, and state. She holds morning talks where teachers view videos of student work and discuss students' thinking. Several years ago, she formed a 24 Club. More than 100 students arrive 30 minutes before school starts each Wednesday to play the 24 Game, which improves computational skills.
Committed to professional development, Mrs. Fredricks received training in differentiated instruction, school enrichment clusters, mathematics literature, and technology in the classroom. She also offers her insight and expertise to other teachers. She mentors candidates as they pursue their National Board Certification, presents at professional conferences, engages in peer coaching, and facilitates the countywide discussions for Math Quest's TERC Advisory Board. She is the elementary representative for the Delaware Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Mrs. Fredricks has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Delaware, where she currently is an instructor for "Saturday Morning Math." She is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist and is also certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education.
