Countless educators work hard every day to help students reach their potential. Being named as a Presidential Awardee is an incredible honor and speaks to the caliber of those I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with during my career as they have helped to shape the teacher I’ve become. The award has provided an invaluable opportunity for reflection and has inspired me to focus on leading students towards problem solving, perseverance, and connection with others through mathematics.

Jennifer Hancock Wentzville, MO | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Jennifer Hancock is a seventh grade mathematics teacher at Wentzville South Middle School, where she has been teaching grade level and advanced mathematics courses for nine years, following a semester of teaching special education. Jennifer believes that a sense of belongingness in the classroom is critical to student success and brings a growth mindset to her students in an environment focused less on grades and more on growth. Only when students feel like they are truly seen as individuals and mathematicians by others, can they start to discover how mathematics belongs in their lives. Students gain a sense of belonging through collaboration, solving tasks connected to their life experiences, sharing strategies, and honoring all ideas. Feedback focuses on growth and individualized paths for learning, and generates a more positive involvement with mathematics courses moving forward. Jennifer has presented at building- and district-level professional development and the Add+It+Up Conference about growth mindset, equitable practices in gradeless classrooms, and student social emotional learning. At the request of students, she has fostered community and wonder about patterns by sponsoring the Puzzle Mathsters club in her building. Jennifer also serves on the curriculum development team for her district and has mentored new teachers through her district's new teacher training program. Jennifer earned a B.A. in psychology and sociology from Maryville University and an M.A. in counseling from Webster University having earned summa cum laude honors from both degree programs. She received teacher certification from Lindenwood University and is dually certified in Missouri in five to nine mathematics and K-12 cross categorical special education.

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