Current PAEMST Awardees (2020)
Leslie Anson | Millbrook, NY | K-6, Mathematics, 2020
The official biography below was current at the time of the award.
Leslie Anson has been teaching at Millbrook Middle School since the start of her career 10 years ago. She has taught sixth grade mathematics, reading, and academic intervention as well as a seventh grade mathematics class.
Leslie has taken on a very active role as a member of the community. As a trustee on the Millbrook Educational Foundation, she works on grant approvals to better teacher classrooms. Leslie is also a member on the Village of Millbrook Board of Trustees, acting as the liaison between the village and the school community.
In the classroom, Leslie engages students using real-world mathematics. The classroom is centered around student discourse. Students work with each other to master skills within the curriculum learning that everyone can be a strong mathematics student.
Outside of the classroom, Leslie maintains her dedication to helping her students learn. She has created Math Night at the local grocery store, Marona's Market, during which students learn to apply mathematics skills to their daily lives.
Her students are all encouraged to come in for set times after school for extra help. Leslie also ensures to include parents in the students' learning, inviting them to join her class to explain the use of mathematics in future endeavors of life.
Leslie earned a B.S. in education from University of Delaware and an M.S. in education from SUNY New Paltz. She is certified in first through sixth elementary education, students with disabilities, and fifth through ninth grade mathematics education.
"The accolade validates the efforts I have put into my career thus far. Ten years ago, I began my career as a mathematics teacher and ever since then I have been working to create a love for mathematics with my students. This award shows my students that effort and a love of learning goes a long way. Although many think mathematics is just a subject in school, to me, it is a lifelong passion. To be accepted into this prestigious group is an honor and a highlight to my career."
— Leslie Anson
Lynda Brennan | Suffern, NY | K-6, Mathematics, 2020
The official biography below was current at the time of the award.
Lynda Brennan has been a teacher at Richard P. Connor (RPC) Elementary School for over 23 years. She began her elementary teaching career in kindergarten, taught fifth grade mathematics/science, and for the last twelve years has served as a mathematics specialist, a position she absolutely loves. One of her greatest joys is working with the Math Ambassadors. Lynda is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the RPC community where she gets to work and learn alongside students and teachers who make learning fun.
Lynda’s involvement in outside communities continues to help unfold her own mathematics story. This includes her work with Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS) as a conference committee chair; Ten County Mathematics Educators Association (TCMEA) as an NCTM Representative; NCTM as a volunteer magazine referee; and with the Rockland Teacher Center where she facilitates a grant-funded elementary mathematics regional Professional Learning Community. She has enjoyed speaking at national, state, and local conferences including the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), NCTM, AMTNYS, TCMEA, New Cubed, Building Math Minds and Minds on Math Virtual Summits, and the Penn Wood School in the United Kingdom.
Lynda is the founder of the Math MileMarkers® children's book series, a passion project that began seven years ago. She believes mathematics-infused stories can connect all learners to the standards in visually powerful ways. She is excited to join forces with other storytellers interested in expanding this work.
Lynda has a B.S. in marketing and management from Siena College and an M.A. in elementary education from Fordham University. Her certifications include Elementary Education N-6 and Secondary Business Education.
"The Presidential Award celebrates the work, dedication, and leadership that are part of a community of teachers, students, and parents. It is a reminder that our goal as educators is to foster a belief in lifelong learning and encourage children to dream, work, and seek out their own paths to success. I am honored and humbled to have been nominated for this award, to have the opportunity to share the mathematics story of my community, and to learn from and be in the company of PAEMST awardees."
— Lynda Brennan