The Presidential Award is validation of my mathematical teaching philosophy. To be honored for doing what I love to do is very humbling. My high school math teacher was extremely influential in my life. I hope that I can serve as a similar inspiration for my students. I am blessed to work with such incredible students and fellow teachers.

Brian Reece Des Moines, IA | 7-12, Mathematics, 2013

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

Brian Reece has taught mathematics for 19 years, the past nine at Central Academy, a public high school listed in the top one percent of educational programs by the College Board. He has taught in three other Iowa districts, as well as Des Moines Area Community College.  Brian currently teaches Advanced Placement Computer Science, AP Calculus BC, Precalculus, International Baccalaureate Math Studies, and Radically Accelerated Geometry and Algebra II to students in grades 7 through 12. He challenges his students to think freely about mathematics, referring to them as “mathematicians,” and he coaches and acts as proctor for students in a number of local, regional, and national competitions. Brian has led professional development training for the Des Moines Public School District and is a member of the district geometry lead team. He has attended National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conferences, including one where he was presented an Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching. Last summer he participated in the Holl Mathematical Discovery for Teachers Workshop where, for one week, eight teachers worked on solving two advanced mathematical problems. Brian has a B.A. in mathematics from Central College and a Master’s of School Mathematics from Iowa State University. 

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