I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Presidential Award and to be included among the many talented mathematics educators who inspire students every day. This award is recognition not only of my accomplishments as an educator, but also of those of the many mentors, colleagues, and students who have been influential in my career. I look forward to more opportunities to reflect and grow so that I can continue to do my part in providing quality mathematics education for all students.

Michelle Morton-Curit Exeter, NH | 7-12, Mathematics, 2019

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

Michelle Morton-Curit has spent her 25-year teaching career at Exeter High School. She currently teaches 9th-11th grade Algebra Foundations, Honors Geometry, and Academic Geometry. Michelle is exuberant about creating a learning environment that is welcoming and in which students can feel free to take risks, make mistakes, and ask questions. She is currently working to implement journal writing as a regular part of instruction and assessment. Michelle strives to stay current with the latest research in mathematics education and attends annual meetings of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Michelle also enjoys sharing knowledge with others: She facilitates the New Hampshire seacoast math professional learning community (a group of local teachers who gather about four times a year for book studies and discussion). Michelle co-advises the Exeter High School math team and the Exeter High School Math Honor Society. She has mentored several graduate student interns as well as undergraduate students who were exploring a career in teaching. Michelle currently serves as the treasurer of the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics. She has served as a member of the districtwide K–12 mathematics committee and has chaired three committees for Exeter High School's accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. She also worked with a group of educators at the Capital Area Center for Educational Support to develop statewide competencies for geometry. Michelle earned a B.S., magna cum laude, in mathematics education and a Master of Science for Teachers in mathematics from the University of New Hampshire. She is certified in upper-level mathematics.

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