Katie Pemberton: Receiving teaching accolades

Katie Pemberton better be used to receiving awards.

Last month, the Canfield Middle School teacher was selected as Coeur d'Alene School District's Teacher of the Year.

This week, she was named one of 97 mathematics and science teachers who will receive the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The educators will receive their awards in Washington, DC later this month.

The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

What's your reaction to receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math?

I was completely humbled and honored when I received the news about the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math. Then I did a "happy dance!"

How do you make math interesting to your students?

I use a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to engage my students and keep math interesting. Technology is a major part of my classroom. I use technology to enhance instruction and increase student engagement. The coupling of technology and varied teaching strategies makes my classroom a place of high energy and active learning. My classroom is seldom a quiet place because students are required to discuss strategies, share their thinking, and work to develop solutions to a variety of math problems.

When you're at home, is math always on your mind? Do you see equations and numbers in everything?

When I'm at home, math and teaching are always on my mind. Students often email me homework questions if they need extra help at night. I am usually grading papers, answering student emails, or looking for new and exciting ways to teach math.

Why did you want to become a math teacher?

My love of education and working with students ultimately influenced my decision to become a teacher. As a once struggling learner, I did not always love school. However, a few of my former teachers showed me the value of education. I have vivid memories of these teachers making each lesson new and exciting. Learning became magical when I was in their classrooms. Fear of failure in the classroom was replaced with hard work and confidence in my abilities as a student. I strive not only to provide my students with an outstanding education, but also ignite confidence and pride in their abilities as my former teachers did for me. Support from my family and inspiration from former teachers made me want to become a teacher.

Were you a math whiz in school?

As a younger student, I wasn't always a whiz in school. However, my parents and brother encouraged and motivated me. I remember my dad helping me with my math homework as a child and loving that math was connected and logical. By the time I was in high school, math was my strongest subject.

Why does math still matter?

Our future depends on today's youth. Math matters because it teachers our youth to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Students today need math to compete on a global level for the jobs of tomorrow.

There's nothing subjective about math. What the key to understanding it?

The key to understanding math is realizing it is connected and one topic builds upon another.

Furthermore, realizing there is no one right way to solve a problem is often a major breakthrough for students. While there is one correct answer to a math problem, students must understand the solution to a problem can be approached in a variety of ways. Creativity and critical thinking is the key!

What have been some career highlights for you?

Highlights include learning from my incredible colleagues at Canfield Middle School and teaching in a district that values innovation. Being awarded grants, such as the EXCEL foundation grant to fund technology for my classroom inspires my teaching. Ultimately, working with my amazing students is the major highlight in my career.

Some say math is boring. What do you say?

It's all in the approach! I encourage my students to dive into real-world problems and focus on communicating their thinking. Being active in their learning makes math fun. There are so many amazing resources to make mathematics interesting and innovative today; it is impossible to be bored.

Do students today, with their love of video games and life online, still have a passion for math?

Absolutely, students have an amazing ability to process information and think critically. Using technology in the classroom helps engage students in passion for math and sparks interest in daily lessons.

How do you get kids to work hard at math?

I don't recommend they work hard, I require it! When students compare pre-test and post-test scores in my classroom they are always amazed at what they have learned and accomplished. I like to let the statistics speak for themselves and inspire students to strive for excellence.

How do you clear your mind of math after a day of teaching?

I clear my mind of math after a day of teaching by going for a run and spending time with my amazing husband. He always encourages me and is willing to listen to my crazy middle school stories at the end of each day.

What's ahead for you?

My husband and I are excited for our trip to Washington, D.C., and the opportunities it will bring. This summer I will be teaching for the Lewis-Clark State College PACE program. I am teaching a math methods and technology course to pre-service teachers in Sandpoint. LCSC offers an amazing education program and I am thrilled to be sharing my passion for education with future teachers. In the fall, I will return to Canfield Middle School and welcome a new group of eager minds.

SNAPSHOT

Katie Pemberton

Date of birth: July 25, 1983

Family: Married to Eric Pemberton.

Education: Bachelor's, magna cum laude, in education from Eastern Washington University and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Idaho.

Number of hours on average you work in a week? 55

Number of hours on average you sleep in a night? 7

Hobbies: I love running and training for local triathlons and marathons. I also play the violin, love to cook, and enjoy outdoors activities like camping and hiking.

Favorite movie: "Million Dollar Baby"

Favorite book: "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"

Favorite music: Anything by Ben Harper

Favorite spectator sport: Football. My husband and I even named our dog after the Dallas Cowboys.

Best advice you ever received: The best advice I received was from my parents. They told me, "With hard work and dedication you can accomplish anything!"

Person who most influenced your life: My grandmother, Beryl Fallquist, taught me to live life with passion for everything you do.

Quality you admire most in a person: Honesty

One thing you consider your greatest accomplishment: Helping struggling, at-risk students realize the power of education and pride in school success.