Laura Tinsley Conway, AR | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

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

Laura “Blake” Tinsley has taught geometry, algebra, and calculus to 10th-12th grade students at Conway High School over the last six years. She previously taught at Mayflower High School for eight and a half years and one year each at the former J.A. Fair High School and Bellaire High School. An educator for more than 21 years, she spent her first five years at Cedar Park High School. Believing it is easiest to nudge a student out of their comfort zone from inside their circle of trust, Blake’s top priority is establishing positive relationships with students. The community she cultivates in the classroom extends beyond its walls. Blake can be seen supporting her students at soccer matches, volleyball tournaments, orchestra performances, and preparing students for mathematics competitions as the sponsor for Conway High’s Math Club. Blake has been a co-presenter for sessions locally and regionally, focusing on using open-ended questions and formative assessment lessons with students. Blake has a B.A. in mathematics from Hendrix College, attended University of Texas at Austin for her teaching certification, and earned a M.A. in mathematics education from University of Central Arkansas. She is certified in 7-12 mathematics.

• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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