Praise is empowering. Your praise prompts me to persevere in every beneficial effort towards inspirational mathematics education. Together we are motivating reflection, critical thought, discovery, and innovation in our students and in ourselves. This is so important in our positions of leadership. Excellent teaching and learning is an excellent struggle. Encouragement plays a vital role in our triumph. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for your encouragement and extremely humbled by this honor.

Katrina Abdussalaam Washington, DC | K-6, Mathematics, 2012

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

Katrina Abdussalaam, a member of the first DC Teaching Fellows Program cohort, loved teaching underserved students in District of Columbia public schools for 10 years. For 4 years, she taught second through fifth grade at Bruce Monroe Elementary School. Previously, she taught at JC Nalle Elementary School. Inspired by her awesome high school algebra teacher, a PAEMST awardee, Katrina discovered an awe of mathematics that she has been able to share as a fourth and fifth grade mathematics teacher at Bruce Monroe Elementary School.  Having pioneered the innovative Singapore Math program in the DC area, Katrina received mentoring from stellar trainers and mathematicians whose wonderful influence led her to share excitement and fun with her students.  Her students love mathematics and are not afraid to tackle word problems. Katrina has also tutored struggling mathematics students with an aim to cultivate joyful mathematics, without fear, drudgery, or boredom.  Katrina writes cutting-edge mathematics curriculum for Common Core, and she specializes in adapting the New York State Common Core mathematics curriculum for English-language learners, students with disabilities, gifted students, and struggling students. Katrina has a B.A. in English literature from Haverford College. Through the DC Teaching Fellows Program, she earned an elementary teaching certificate from American University.

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