Winning the Presidential Award made me more visible to administrators, which resulted in being invited to more committees. These committees led to a different form of professional development than I had previously experienced. In the past, I had focused or instruction, now I am able to look beyond my classroom to issues affecting all mathematics teachers. Ultimately, the PAEMST led to my being a stronger teacher and stronger advocate for mathematics education.

Jennifer Salls Reno, NV | 7-12, Mathematics, 1984

Jennifer Salls has been an educator for over 40 years, teaching high school mathematics and serving as the Nevada Department of Education Mathematics Consultant as well as the Mathematics Coordinator for the Washoe County School District. She taught at a Gifted and Talented Magnet Middle School for ten years before becoming the Gifted and Talented Mathematics Facilitator this year. Jennifer was teaching mathematics at Robert McQueen High School when she received the Presidential Award in 1984. Jennifer’s advocacy for girls in mathematics lead to her teaching technology for the Girls’ Math Camp and sharing that information with pre-service teachers. Jennifer has presented at a number of mathematics education conferences, including conferences for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and for the Northern Nevada Mathematics Council. Jennifer also facilitated classes for PBS Teacherline and taught courses at the University of Nevada Reno. Jennifer is a founding member of the Northern Nevada Mathematics Council, serving as its President twice, as well as its Treasurer and Membership Chair. Jennifer also served on state and local committees involving mathematics education and state testing and is a former Board Member for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Jennifer is a National Teacher of the Year state awardee, a Nevada Educator awardee, and received the Outstanding Mathematics Educator award from the Northern Nevada Mathematics Council. Jennifer earned her B.S. in mathematics, M.Ed. in secondary education, and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada Reno. She is a certified secondary mathematics teacher with endorsements in Computer Literacy, Computer Programming, and Gifted and Talented.

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