The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching shows that my teaching has a positive effect on students. It inspires me to share my knowledge, reshape teachers’ practices, and change how students are taught mathematics. It is a testament to the people who have supported and mentored me, shaping me into a caring and adaptive educator. The award validates the energy I have poured into my career. It serves as a reminder when the days are hard, I am enough.

Laurie Templeton Chugiak, AK | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

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

Laurie Templeton has taught multiple mathematics and elective courses at Chugiak High School for 26 years. Currently, she is teaching Informal Geometry, AMPED on Algebra, and Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics to students in grades 9-12. Experienced-based learning activities are a vital part of Laurie’s teaching, allowing students exposure to content before exploring the formal lesson. Whenever possible, students learn by examining shapes and numbers to discover key properties and concepts. She involves the community to show real-world mathematics connections. The Anchorage Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit created a parking lot of skid marks showing students how to determine the speed of a vehicle. In 2013, Laurie created the Chugiak Open Invitational, a mathematics competition for high school students given annually online across several states. It allows Alaskan students access to conceptually difficult mathematics competitions. Laurie presents annually at district trainings sharing her knowledge of mathematics practices. These presentations have ranged from experienced-based learning to adapting teaching practices with improv. Laure actively participates as an AP Statistics reader. She uses this experience to create Mock AP Statistics reading to support Statistics teachers. Laurie gives back to the teaching community as a mentor, host teacher, and instructional coach. She created and moderates an online geometry teacher group as a safe place for teachers to support each other without judgement. Laurie earned a B.A. in mathematics and M.A.T. in education from the University of Alaska. She is certified grades 7-12 in mathematics.

Know a great teacher like Laurie Templeton? Nominate them for PAEMST!