For me, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is an opportunity to be recognized as part of a community of teachers who are dedicated to working and collaborating with one another to make mathematics both meaningful and accessible to all students. It is a reminder that good teaching is not only innovative, but requires reflection, support, and continued growth on the part of the educator. I am greatly honored to be considered for this award.

Chance Nalley Bronx, NY | 7-12, Mathematics, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Chance Nalley has taught mathematics at Horace Mann School for the past four years. He spent the previous seven years working at the Manhattan School for Scientific Inquiry, Columbia Secondary School for Mathematics Science and Engineering, and the David A. Stein Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy. Chance is the geometry team leader for Horace Mann’s upper division. He also teaches high school freshmen through seniors in precalculus, statistics, and summer classes. Chance has worked with at-risk student populations at the Manhattan School for Scientific Inquiry and developed the middle school mathematics curriculum at Columbia Secondary School. Chance shares with students his own passion for the applications of mathematics and inspires them to ask “why” and delve deeper. That is Chance’s classroom trademark. He integrates exploration, discussion, hands-on activities, and technology into student learning. Outside of the classroom, Chance advises the Junior Statesman of America Club and the middle division yearbook club. He is also a representative on the faculty benefits committee. In the past, he was a Master Teacher for Math for America. Chance has a B.A. in mathematics and a B.S. in secondary education from the University of Maine and holds M.A., M.S., and M.Ed. degrees in mathematics education from Teachers College Columbia University. He is certified in secondary mathematics education.

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