Lake Forest, IL - Mathematics
I am truly humbled and grateful to be able to network now with other awardees, some of whom have been my role models for years. This award will give me a platform from which I can share my passion for teaching the joy, purpose, and beauty of mathematics to young teachers and students. It showcases us in an environment of excellence and validates the innovation we bring. It is wonderful to be recognized in this group of quintessential professionals.
In her first year at Lake Forest Country Day School, Mrs. Rising led teams of teachers and company representatives in selecting the best curriculum to implement in the following year, after creating an interim curriculum for the first through fourth grade.
Communicating a love of mathematics and developing innovative activities that appeal to children are Mrs. Rising's hallmarks. She initiated the school's first Family Math Night, for which she wrote engaging problems at two levels for each classroom and decorated the rooms with signs and country flags. When students completed an activity, they received stamps in a passport created by Mrs. Rising. Students wanted the evening to last longer, and many hailed it as the best event ever.
While making mathematics fun and exciting for students, Mrs. Rising sets high standards. Her belief in each child and her enthusiasm for the subject diminishes students' mathematics phobias. She is willing to take risks and study best practices. She serves as a model for her colleagues and as a leader in improving mathematics education.
Mrs. Rising has presented sessions on selecting mathematics software at several conferences, including the Florida Educational Technology Conference. She also published a related article in Media & Methods.
Mrs. Rising has a B.A. in music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, a B.S.Ed. in elementary education from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia. She is currently completing a doctorate in mathematics education from Columbia University. Mrs. Rising is certified in elementary education, mathematics education, and middle grades education.
