President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from around the nation as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). These awards recognize the important role that educators play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators. Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. Government. Nominees undergo a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.
South Lakes High School is proud to celebrate Ms. Burrell, a mathematics teacher who was recently awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching. With 23 years of experience, Ms. Burrell teaches IB Applications and Algebra 2, where her innovative approach has inspired countless students and earned her national recognition.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Burrell for a Q&A to learn more about her teaching philosophy, the impact of this award, and her journey as an educator.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in mathematics education?
Ms Burrell: “I didn’t know I wanted to be a Math teacher right away. It’s ok to be 18 and not have your whole life figured out. I studied Math in college because it was the only thing I could do well. I was terrible at writing papers then, but I did eventually learn how to write as an adult. Anyway, after graduating, I tried a few different jobs and one was as an administrative assistant at a school in New York. I enjoyed working with teenagers and thought I’d like to become a teacher in order to share my love of Math.”
Q: Can you describe your teaching philosophy and how you engage students in your math classes?
Ms Burrell: “My teaching philosophy is that every student can learn and every student has a right to learn. Education is power, and Math education, especially, opens doors. I engage students in many ways. Although I give notes, it is my least favorite thing to do. I love creating structures for student collaboration. Students bring so many interesting ideas and so much background knowledge to the class. The teacher’s perspective is just one perspective. Students learn a lot from each other. I also enjoy talking with my students one-on-one. When I have a chance to listen to their ideas, I can sometimes correct a misunderstanding. And sometimes I learn a new approach to problem solving from them.”
Q: As an equity co-lead teacher, how do you work to create an inclusive environment for all students?
Ms Burrell: “As Equity Co-Lead, I work with Ms. Welborn and our Equity team to lead staff training on Equity. But many of our staff members bring their own expertise and unique insights so we try to learn from the staff as well. One thing that I’m very proud of is our Student Voice group. This group meets about twice a month to share their perspectives on the student experience at South Lakes with administrators and staff. They are very generous to share their time and insight. Sometimes they also do activities to improve the student experience.”
Q: What does receiving the Presidential Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Ms Burrell: “It was such an honor to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from former President Biden. But an award for one teacher is an award for the whole school. Teachers work on collaborative teams. So I have an Algebra 2 team and an IB Apps team. We all work together to reflect on how to best support our students and then we share the work of creating teaching materials. I love teaching Math because I know that we are building capable students who can achieve whatever they want to achieve.
“But not every student is coming to school excited about Math. So, I have to appreciate the elective teachers and the coaches and the teachers of other subjects who get kids to come to school because students can explore their passions here. It is a privilege to work and learn at South Lakes High School. That is not to say that the school is perfect. There is always room for growth. But there are hundreds of staff and teachers and thousands of students who bring their best to South Lakes every day.”
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring educators, especially those interested in teaching math?
Ms Burrell: “If you love working with young people and you love Math, then this is the perfect job for you. Hopefully you also love working 50-60 hours a week as well. It’s hard work, but also incredibly rewarding, so I recommend it to anyone who feels up to the challenge.”
Ms Burrell’s dedication to her students are what truly set her apart. Through her work, she continues to shape the future of education, inspiring a new generation of learners.
South Lakes is so proud of Ms Burrell and all she has done to support our school and excellence in mathematics instruction! Thank you, Ms Burrell, for your dedication to your students and families.
