With so many deserving teachers in my state, I am honored and truly humbled to be a recipient of the Presidential Award. The process of applying for this award has been incredibly impactful by helping me to be more reflective in my practice, while also building my perseverance and identity as a leader. I am inspired to continue on my amazing journey as an educator. I want to thank the teachers, mentors, and students who have influenced my journey, and my family for their unwavering support.

Mark Kreie Brookings, SD | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Mark Kreie has been a mathematics teacher for 22 years, teaching one year at Baltic High School, three years at Newton High School, seven years at Estelline High School, and the past 11 years at Brookings High School. He currently teaches 9th-12th grade Algebra 1, Advanced Algebra 2, and Advanced Placement Statistics. Mark has also taught prealgebra, geometry, precalculus, and calculus at various points in his career. In the classroom, Mark is passionate about helping each student build their mathematical identity. He strives to create a student-centered environment and build a positive relationship with each student. Mark believes students learn best by discovering mathematics and making connections to prior knowledge through collaboration with others. Mark loves providing professional learning for teachers. He speaks at numerous state and regional conferences, often presenting on the significance of using digital tools to help student understanding of mathematics. Mark currently serves on the Executive Board for the South Dakota Council of Mathematics Teachers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Classroom Resources Committee, and is a Desmos Fellow. He has served as a virtual coach to mentees across the state and has mentored six student teachers during his time at Brookings. Mark received the 2016 Daktronics Outstanding Mathematics Teacher award and the 2019 South Dakota State University Clinical Educator of the Year award. Mark has a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Minnesota-Morris and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction from Black Hills State University. He is certified to teach 5-12 mathematics.

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