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Illinois State University Mathematics Department

Mathematics Major: Teacher Certification Sequence

Outcomes, Stories, and Statistics

What can you tell me about graduates of your program?

Mathematics majors who successfully complete the Mathematics Education sequence are prepared to teach secondary school mathematics in Illinois and in many other states. Our graduates are sought after by top schools throughout Illinois. Many of our graduates become leaders in their departments, their schools, and in the state. The mathematics degree with teacher certification also prepares graduates for advanced degrees, at the masters and doctoral levels, as well as for continued professional development as a school mathematics teacher.

This page provides you information about graduates of our program. We provide summary statistics about recent graduating classes as well as personal stories of individual alumni of our program.

Statistics: Here are the Numbers on Recent Graduates

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Profiles of Program Graduates

Tom Thakral

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S. Mathematics 2000

Current Position: Bloomington High School mathematics teacher

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • Golden Key Honor Society
  • NCTM and ICTM member.

"It was great to have such a good relationship with the faculty. And everything that we learned in our courses was applicable in the classroom."

"Feel free to have students contact me by email with any questions. ISU has an excellent program. I feel very prepared to begin my journey as a high school mathematics teacher. Take advantage of the resources and the people. The members of the ISU mathematics department were invaluable as a resource and for support."

 

John Dossey

ISU Degrees and Years of Graduation: B.S. 1965, M.S. 1968

Current Position: Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics ISU (retired 1998) and Independent Consultant in Mathematics Education

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1986-1988
  • Chair, Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences, 1996--1998; Member, 1985--1988
  • Chair, Voluntary National Test of Mathematics Development Committee, Department of Education & American Institutes for Research, 1997-98
  • Chair, Development Committee for the OECD Assessment of Problem Solving Across Curriculum Areas, 1999-
  • Chair, United States National Commission on Mathematics Instruction, National Research Council, 1995-1998; Member, 1994--1998
  • Chair, The College Board Mathematics Advisory Committee 1992-1996; Member 1988-1996
  • Member, Mathematical Sciences Education Board, National Research Council, 1985-89
  • Member, Board for International Comparative Studies in Education, National Research Council, 1994-2000
  • Chair, National Professional Teaching Standards Board Mathematics Committee 1995-1998; Member, 1990-1998

Honors:

  • 1982 Recipient of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Max Beberman Award for outstanding research contributions in mathematics education
  • 1985 Recipient of Illinois Mathematics Association of Community Colleges James Armstrong Award for outstanding service and teaching in mathematics
  • 1994 Recipient of Department of Defense Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
  • 1996 Doctor of Humane Letters, Eureka College (Honorary Degree)
  • 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

"My experiences at ISU prepared me for my career in teaching, research, and consulting. My professors took an interest in me both as a student and as an individual person. I have never forgotten this, as it made a real difference. The mathematics courses were demanding, but directed toward my goal of teaching at the secondary, and possibly collegiate, level. The camaraderie of professors, fellow students, and staff made the department like one big family all working toward the same end--learning mathematics and preparing to teach in a supportive atmosphere. I will never forget the experiences I had as a student at ISU."

 

Kristen Clegg

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: Bachelors in Mathematics Education 1995

Current Position: Mathematics Teacher at Schaumburg (IL) High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • ICTM Award of Excellence in Mathematics Teaching (1997)
  • Geometer's Sketchpad Presenter for Key Curriculum Press
  • Presented "Hands-On Activities For AP Statistics" at ICTM conference 1999
  • Masters in Curriculum Development from DePaul University 2000
  • Membership includes: ICTM, NCTM, CAPS (Consortium for AP Statistics)

"ISU has had a huge impact on the way I teach today and the goals I have set for my future years of teaching. At ISU my eyes were opened up to a whole new world of mathematics&emdash;mathematics that comes alive. I learned how to utilize intriguing real world situations to create activities that allow students to explore mathematics in search of an answer to a real question. I also learned how to make these explorations even more powerful through the use of technology, cooperative learning and hands-on experiences. ISU not only gave me the opportunity to experience this kind of teaching, but they also taught me the type of thinking that has allowed me to create my own powerful curriculum."

 

Joeal K. Mazurowski

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S. 1995

Current Position: Mathematics Teacher Glenbard (IL) North High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • Chosen to attend NASA Education Workshop for Math, Science, & Technology Teacher
  • Selected twice as an influential teacher to students in the National Honor Society at Downers Grove North High School

"I truly feel that ISU prepared me to be the best teacher that I can be. I was in several classrooms teaching and working with students, well before I had my own classroom. I was exposed to the latest trends in education, and how to best use these skills/technology in my classroom. With this knowledge, I feel that I was best able to serve me students and the school where I teach."

"The faculty and staff in the math department at ISU is always helpful! They go out of their way to make you feel a part of the ISU community and the educational community. My experiences in and out of the classroom truly made me feel more comfortable as a teacher and in my classroom in front of students and colleagues."

 

Dawn Peterson

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.A. in Mathematics (education sequence), 1996

Current Position: 9-12 mathematics teacher at McFarland (WI) High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Education, ISU Mathematics Department (1996)
  • Departmental Honors, ISU Mathematics Department (1996)
  • ISU Bone Scholar (1996)
  • Wisconsin Academy Staff Development Initiative (WASDI) Lead Teacher (1999-present)

"I never realized how privileged I was to be a graduate of ISU until I began talking to educators who graduated from other colleges and universities. I assumed that most other programs were similar in experience to the one I enjoyed at ISU. I soon found out that the programs were distinctly different and that ISU's stood tall among the rest. The experiences I now count as unique include the opportunity to be in classrooms observing and teaching small units several semesters prior to student teaching, thus making the transition to student teaching and then to my own classroom much easier. I also found each of my classes to be relevant. I was never handed a bunch of theory without practice or practical application, an invaluable asset that I apply as I teach my own students today."

"I found that ISU's faculty always practiced what they preached. If we were learning about constructivism, we were taught in a constructive manner. I was challenged at my own level throughout my college career and was encouraged to excel in all that I did. I am also thankful for a caring faculty. I never was and never will be a number. My professors knew my name (and still do!). I also knew that my opinion was valued both in and out of the classroom. I received more support from my professors than I ever thought possible at a university. I do my best to interact with my colleagues and students in the same respectful manner, hoping that others will see in me what I saw in my instructors."

 

Malcolm Newman

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: 1996, BS Mathematics

Current Position: Teacher (Math/Physics) at DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis MN

"I majored in Mathematics (Education) with the intention of becoming a math teacher. Now having been in the classroom for four years, I cannot imagine a better preparatory experience than I received at ISU. In addition to receiving a strong mathematical foundation, teacher candidates are taught how to teach. Teaching Methods was the #1 most useful class in my education, but exemplary teaching methods were modeled in all my math classes. Courses covered how to teach with technology that did not even exist when I was in high school. In addition, I was able to gain valuable experience outside the classroom by working as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and being a member on departmental committees."

 

Scott Knapp

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S. in Math Education, Spring 1999

Current Position: High School Math Teacher, Naperville (IL) Central High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • 1999 ISU Mathematics Department Outstanding Education Senior
  • Assistant Boys Swimming and Diving Coach, Naperville Central High School

"Though I am a first-year teacher, I feel like ISU prepared me to enter the profession with a veteran's mindset and experience. I didn't necessarily realize the significance while at ISU, but my experiences, professors, and classes prepared me well for the obstacles I face in my career. I have a more diverse background with educational matters like technology, curriculum, and overall mathematics knowledge than other fellow first-year, as well as, veteran teachers. Because of my experiences at ISU, I am already involved on many committees due to my background experience. I am currently serving on a K-12 curriculum planning committee for my school district. This position would not have been given to a first-year teacher had it not been for the exposure to curricular matters that I experienced at ISU. I am well-equipped with all the necessary tools to succeed in a mathematics teaching career. ISU has exposed me to much of what is involved in a teaching career outside of running a classroom and writing on a chalkboard. I learned how to analyze a textbook, how to accommodate special needs students, and how to incorporate different modes of technology into my lessons. These are all things I have encountered in my first-year of teaching. ISU prepared me well and I already feel comfortable in my career."

 

Nancy Norem Powell

ISU Degree(s) and Year(s) of Graduation: B.S. in Math Education, 1974 and M.S. in Educational Administration, 1990

Current Position: Lead Teacher, Mathematics, Bloomington (IL) High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • 1992 Presidential Award of Excellence in Secondary Mathematics Teaching
  • 1992 Pioneering Partners in Educational Technology
  • 1993 Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Awards
  • 1993 Regional Teacher of the Year for Technology and Learning Magazine
  • 1995 Tandy Technology Scholar
  • 1998 Teacher of the Year, Illinois High School Association
  • 1974-1979 Math Teacher, Danville High School, Danville, IL
  • Board of Directors of Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM), Technology Co-Director
  • Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education Mathematics Committee to develop the Professional Standards for Mathematics Teachers and a member of the Oversight Committee.
  • Author of "Reflections on Miniature Golf" published in the October, 1994 Mathematics Teacher
  • One of the authors of The Teachers Guide to Cyberspace and many other articles in IMPACT II books
  • Co-founder and lead web mentor for TeachNet (http://www.teachnet.org), a web site developed by teachers for teachers in 1993.
  • Visiting Professor, University of Illinois (January, 1998 - December, 1999) teaching mathematics classes to elementary and secondary education majors.
  • Speaker at many NCTM National and Regional Conferences

"I was given a lot of opportunities and challenges at Illinois State that allowed me to be a risk taker and try new things. The technology classes gave me additional skills to be creative in my lessons. The technology classes that I took at ISU in the Mathematics Department helped me to be better prepared than many of my colleagues as technology became more prominent in the mathematics classroom. Mathematics with technology peaked students' interests and helped to give more meaning to mathematics. Using technology made math fun and motivating for both me and my students while creating a challenging and stimulating environment in the classroom. The encouragement to join and become active in professional organizations while still in college has enhanced my teaching and provided awesome opportunities in mathematics education while supplying additional resources and ideas for lessons in my classroom."

 

Heather (Young) Breon

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: BS May of 1998

Current Position: 8th grade teacher, Aptakisic Junior High in Buffalo Grove, IL

"I am currently teaching at Aptakisic Junior High in Buffalo Grove, IL. I teach majority 8th graders and a few 7th graders. I teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II (the high school level of Algebra II). I got my degree in secondary education in Mathematics. I have found it to be very useful in the classes I teach. Many people don't believe a secondary degree is necessary to teach at the junior high. I think it very much depends on the classes you will be teaching. Most 8th grade curriculums are focusing on the higher levels of Algebra in our area. Therefore the secondary degree and the experiences of the clinical teaching at the higher level math classes were beneficial in my current teaching. I would like more future teachers in the secondary program to think about the junior high level of teaching also. A middle school endorsement was very easy to achieve and the results are very rewarding. Students at the junior high level at continuously changing. They make everyday a new challenging experience and you still get to teach the level of mathematics that you studied."

 

Heather Perry

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S., May 2000

Current Position: Mathematics Teacher at Homewood-Flossmoor (IL) High School

Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • IMACC Memorial Fund Scholarship
  • Illinois State University Community College Foundation Scholarship
  • Triton College Mission Award
  • Memeber of NCTM, Golden Key National Honor Society, Alpha Phi Omega (pledge class treasurer), Phi Theta Kappa
  • worked for 3 summers as an intern at the Society of Actuaries performing various types of research for actuaries across the world

"My experiences at ISU have prepared me for many different situations in my workplace. First and foremost, my education has definitely prepared me to be an excellent classroom teacher with practice. Also, my memebership with Alpha Phi Omega has placed in my heart a need to continue my community service. Consequently, I am getting involved with the key club at Homewood-Flossmoor High School which is a community service club. Lastly, I would like to add that the friendships that I have established with my classmates as well as my professors has proven to be the leading factor in my successes. Without the support and guidance of these people, I would not be were I am today."

 

Drew Moore

ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S., Secondary Mathematics Education, 2000

Current Position: Mathematics Teacher, Normal (IL) Community High School

"I attended ISU for two of my three years of college education. While at ISU, I learned many, many teaching strategies. Now, with a job as a high school mathematics teacher at Normal Community, I have the opportunity to use the strategies that best fit my personality and teaching style. Student teaching at Bloomington (IL) High School really opened my eyes to what stategies I prefer and am most talented in. This, along with a few exceptional professors at ISU, really taught me the value of hands-on teaching strategies. Among my favorite strategies are student-made manipulatives, group discovery, teacher-provided manipulatives, and certainly high on the list is technology. The molding of these strategies into the material I am presenting is how I teach kids. ISU directed me and prepared me greatly for this challenging and rewarding approach. I look forward to refining these techniques in my first-year teaching as I open students eyes up the wonders of Geometry."