2009 OUTSTANDING VERMONT MATH TEACHER

Cathy Estes has been recognized by the Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics as an Outstanding Mathematics Teachers for 2009.  She received her award at the group’s annual spring conference on March 19 at St. Michael’s College.   The presentation included this citation of her work:

“Cathy has been teaching for 29 years and is currently the Math Department Chair at Thetford Academy.  Cathy pushes students to think, not just memorize. She asks them to articulate their solutions and questions to the class.  In Finite Math, the students play a stock market game and figure out how to save money for the future.  Not only does she teach math and mentor new math teachers, she took students on a trip to France and has served as stage manager and performed in the spring musical.”
This is the first year VCTM has given these awards, and we’re proud that Cathy was named for her continuing excellence in math education.  

TRAVEL GRANT RECIPIENT

The Rural School and Community Fund for Teachers has announced a grant award to TA Design Technology teacher Stephen Schultz.  Steve will travel to Takayama, Japan for three weeks this summer to study traditional Japanese architecture and woodcraft. He’ll take an intensive workshop at Shinrin Takumi Juku, a traditional woodworking and environmental education school, followed by a tour of Japanese museums, castles, and historical buildings. He’ll incorporate this experience into his curriculum with a focus on Japanese woodworking techniques and resource management for environmental sustainability.  

The Rural School & Community Trust awards competitive grants to teacher applicants in rural areas throughout the U.S.  Steve Schultz is one of two Vermont teachers selected for awards this year.