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."
