While living and working through the COVID pandemic, I witnessed a decline in mathematics education due to the number of obstacles we were working through. Therefore, being recognized after such a trying time offers restoration to my spirit. This recognition represents how a young Black girl from rural South Carolina can grow up to become a mathematics educator who is honored by the highest office in our country. It motivates me to keep going. The most beautiful part - mathematics got me here.

Natalie Pough Atlanta, GA | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Natalie Odom Pough, Ed.D., has been an educator for more than 18 years and has spent the last three years teaching sixth and seventh grade mathematics at the Ron Clark Academy. Natalie has also served as a middle school mathematics teacher for nine years, an assistant principal, and a college faculty member. In 2006, Natalie started her career as an eighth grade mathematics teacher at Kissimmee Middle School. She continued her teaching at Blythewood Middle School from 2008 to 2011. Her interest in the DCPS IMPACT Evaluation System took her to Alice Deal Middle School for the 2011–2013 school years, where she earned a "Highly Effective" rating. Natalie joined Greenville County Schools from 2013 to 2017, serving Northwest Middle School, Sterling School, and the Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. She served on the faculty of Clemson University and Indiana University from 2017 to 2021. Natalie's career has allowed her to develop a strong understanding of how to cultivate a positive, healthy mathematics-learning environment where all students can achieve success. Natalie’s research focuses on equitable mathematics instructional practices, preservice and in-service teacher preparation, and new teacher attrition. Her teaching certifications are in mathematics and social studies, creating a natural space to examine how mathematics impacts our daily lives and supporting her efforts as the Model United Nations Advisor. Natalie holds a B.S. in management, an M.A.T. in middle grades education with certification in mathematics and social studies from Clemson University, and an Ed.S. and Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida.

Know a great teacher like Natalie Pough? Nominate them for PAEMST!