The Presidential Award means one simple word to me: success. This award allows me opportunities to try different teaching methods, reflect upon those lessons, and grow as an educator. Success is students engaged in mathematical discourse with lessons I design and learning from each other. Success is my reflection and redesigning of a lesson when students do not understand. I celebrate each small achievement and through those small steps of growth, this award is my ultimate success!

Joan Ebel Columbus, NE | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Joan "Joni" Ebel has been an educator for 23 years and has spent her entire career as a mathematics teacher at Columbus Middle School. For the past 12 years, she has taught seventh grade general mathematics and prealgebra courses. Previously, she taught eighth grade algebra and sixth grade accelerated and general mathematics courses. Joni’s love of mathematics and middle school teaching has led her to develop innovative and hands-on educational activities to further engage students in their mathematical journey, such as stop-motion videos, scavenger hunts, and using a number cube and protractor to create artwork showcasing their understanding of angle relationships. Outside the classroom, Joni has served the state of Nebraska with writing and editing mathematics standards as well as writing college and career readiness standards. She is a team leader, District Mentor Teacher, and Mentor Teacher for the National Network of State Teachers of the Year. She is a technology coach, an advocate for the L to J system of continuous improvement, and a contributing author for “7th Grade Ready”. Joni earned the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from the Nebraska Middle Level Academy and is a Nebraska Award of Excellence recipient. Joni earned a B.S.Ed. in secondary and middle level education from Concordia University and M.Ed. in educational leadership from Doane College. She is certified in mathematics, music, and language arts education.

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