Receiving the Presidential Award is an extraordinary honor for me as a high school mathematics teacher. To participate in the professional development among these colleagues enhances my skills, inspires me, and brings new ideas in my classroom. Overall, this award is a profound personal and professional milestone, reinforcing my commitment to excellence in mathematics education and encouraging continuous growth and innovation in my teaching career.

Kelly Lee Blue Springs, MO | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

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

Serving as a mathematics teacher for 28 years, Kelly Lee currently teaches in the Blue Springs School District, where she has spent the last 23 years. She spent her first five years in education at Grain Valley High School, and then had a three-year stint at Blue Springs South High School. She has spent the remainder of her career at Blue Springs High School, where she currently teaches 11th and 12th grade students. She also teaches dual-credit courses through the University of Missouri-Kansas City, including Statistics, Calculus, College Algebra and Mathematical Reasoning. Kelly has served as Department Chair, new teacher mentor, preservice mentor teacher, and staff leadership committee member. Her favorite part of teaching is building relationships with her students and seeing the growth that takes place from the beginning to the end of each school year. Kelly also works as an adjunct instructor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and Metropolitan Community College. She is a member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Kansas City Area Teachers of Mathematics, and American Mathematical Society. Kelly earned a B.A. in secondary education and mathematics from Rockhurst University; M.S. in curriculum and instruction and mathematics from Central Methodist University; Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from William Woods University; and Ph.D. in mathematics and curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is certified in grades 7-12 mathematics and K-12 special education. She is National Board Certified in mathematics, adolescence through young adulthood. Her research interests include teachers’ strategies in the diverse classroom and the effects on student achievement.

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