It’s a privilege to be recognized for my devotion to helping students develop their own understanding and passions related to mathematics. I am thrilled by the positive focus on elementary mathematics education the Presidential Award brings to our community and school district, and I am honored by the recognition. Teaching students mathematics is my passion.

Nancy Pfaff Redmond, WA | K-6, Mathematics, 2012

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

Nancy Pfaff has been an educator for more than 30 years, specializing for the past 2 years in sixth grade mathematics at Horace Mann Elementary and Inglewood Middle School in the Lake Washington School District. Her 26 years in the district include work in gifted and general education classrooms for third through sixth grade. Nancy shared her enthusiasm for mathematics by developing a schoolwide Math Night at Horace Mann Elementary, during which her sixth graders lead kindergarten through fifth grade students and their parents in mathematics games and activities. She built online extensions for students through personalized problem-solving and discussions.  She adapted games to build confidence and fill in skill gaps for struggling students. Themes evident in Nancy’s work with students and teachers include developing mathematics concepts and building meaning through mathematics discussions. Beyond the classroom, she is involved in mathematics professional development work for Lake Washington School District.  Nancy is involved in the instruction of preservice teachers at City University in Seattle, WA. Nancy has a B.A. in mathematics and education and an M.Ed. from Washington State University. She is National Board Certified in early adolescent mathematics.

Know a great teacher like Nancy Pfaff? Nominate them for PAEMST!