The Presidential Award is an endorsement of all the students and educators that have helped me to become the teacher that I am today. This award validates the importance of continuing to improve students’ access to mathematics education, and furthering their understanding of the importance of mathematics in our world. This honor gives me the confidence to continue to work with my students and colleagues to develop “mathematics for all.”

Florence Falatko Towson, MD | K-6, Mathematics, 2016

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Florence Falatko has been an educator for 15 years at Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School teaching fifth grade mathematics. Florence’s understanding of students and the importance of mathematics has led her to develop an individualized and personalized mathematics program where all students follow their own learning progressions in order to reach their learning goals. Her instructional technique includes afterschool mathematics help session for both children and parents. Florence teaches mathematics through project-driven lessons. This includes the use of programming to develop algebraic patterns, and Lego Robotics to model polygons on the coordinate plane. Students also participate in a financial literacy program centered around managing stock portfolios. Students develop blueprints for their dream homes for the geometry unit. Other projects include statistical analysis of the World Series and the NCAA Tournaments. Florence has presented her model for mathematics instruction at a variety of conferences. Florence is a member of the Baltimore County Mathematics Cadre, the Mathematics Liaison for Cromwell, and an instructor/presenter for the Maryland Council on Economic Education. Florence earned a B.A. in economics from the University of New Hampshire, a M.A.T. from Towson University, and a Master’s Certificate in technology instruction from Johns Hopkins University.

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