The twenty-first century requires citizens to be able to make sense of data in context. From an avalanche of numbers, we must make decisions in a world with ever-changing uncertainty. This award recognizes that we math teachers help to provide our students with the quantitative tools and analytical understanding based on logic that are critical for them to make informed decisions as productive and successful citizens of our democracy.

Sharon Hessney Roxbury, MA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2009

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

Sharon Hessney is a 17-year veteran mathematics teacher who has taught for 3 years at the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, a Boston public school in the Roxbury area. Previously, she taught in Minneapolis, Waltham, and Milton. Sharon is a constructivist mathematics educator who has implemented the National Science Foundation-funded Investigations program (kindergarten through fifth grade) and the Interactive Math Program (grades 9-12). Currently, she teaches geometry, discrete mathematics, and Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics using cooperative groups and student inquiry. Sharon is a Massachusetts Math & Science Initiative lead statistics teacher. Sharon has coached dozens of High School Math Competition in Modeling teams and has raised $60,000 for girls to attend Mount Holyoke's SummerMath program. She is the O'Bryant Origami Club advisor. Sharon has led workshops for the National Council of Teachers on Mathematics, Harvard University, Boston College, and Key Press. She is a mentor for pre-service and new teachers. Sharon has a B.A. in Economics from Yale University, an M.B.A. in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and an Ed.M. in Mathematics Education from Harvard University. She is National Board Certified in mathematics.

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