Receiving the Presidential Award is an extraordinary honor for me. It is deeply humbling to have my dedication to teaching mathematics acknowledged at this distinguished level. Sharing the beauty of mathematics with my students, witnessing their excitement, and nurturing their passion for the subject are incredibly fulfilling experiences. This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment I have invested in education, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence in my teaching.

Susan Palmberg Storrs, CT | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

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

Susan Palmberg spent her entire 35-year teaching tenure at Edwin O. Smith High School teaching mathematics. She currently teaches College/Career Geometry, Advanced Calculus I and II, and Advanced Multivariable Calculus. These calculus courses are dual enrollment courses coordinated with the University of Connecticut. Incorporating her love for mathematics and technology, Susan has developed lab activities for her students to apply concepts taught in class to real-world experiences using various online programs. Susan designs student-centered interactive tasks that promote student engagement in her classes and encourage student discovery, problem solving, and critical thinking. Her students work in visibly random groups at vertical non-permanent surfaces, struggling together through problems daily. As a technology coach, she supports staff in using technology by developing and posting content on the school’s training website, in addition to conducting in-person training sessions. Susan has presented sessions on productive struggle, visible thinking, and student-centered learning at various districts around the state. She serves on the District 19 Board of Education Grading Policy Committee and the Edwin O. Smith High School Artificial Intelligence Planning Team. Susan received the honor of District 19 "Teacher of the Year" in 2011. Susan has a B.A., cum laude, in mathematics from Clark University and a Master of Mathematics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is a certified secondary mathematics educator. Additionally, Susan is certified by the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University as an adjunct professor to teach dual enrollment courses.

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