Brian Twitchell

Strong, ME | 7-12, Mathematics, 2002

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I have always been interested in technology, Science, and Mathematics, dating way back to my high school days. I am constantly looking for ways to use technology to improve my instructional practices, whether as a teacher, a math coach, or a district coordinator. I have been involved in various STEM projects, writing grants to bring STEM opportunities to students in rural parts of the state.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

I had the opportunity several years ago to write a grant funding a STEM outreach that involved the partnership of three local districts. The following year we had the opportunity to write a follow up grant as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) outreach to continue the opportunities that we had started. Introducing things such as VR Goggles to Elementary and Middle School students was something I had not anticipated, and yet was met with great interest of both students and parents alike.

Biography

Brian Twitchell has been an educator for more than 30 years. He started his career at Mt. Abram Regional High School in Salem Township, Maine, where he taught math and was employed there when he received the PAEMST award in 2002. In 2015 he left that position and was hired as the District Math Coach in the Carrabec School system in N. Anson, Maine. In the spring of 2024 that position was eliminated due to budget cuts, and he was hired as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Telstar district located in Bethel, Maine. Brian's involvement in mathematics extends far beyond the classroom. For over 25 years he has been one of two co-chairs of the annual Maine State Math Meet, held every spring with approximately 100 high schools in attendance. In recognition of this work, the "Crystal Trophy," given to the highest scoring team at the state mathematics meet was renamed in 2015 as the "Brian Twitchell Award." Additionally, he has worked as a trainer in various school districts around the country for the National Science Foundation-funded mathematics program, Math Connections, and was involved in helping to write components for its second edition. He has worked for many years in various roles grading the AP Calculus exam, most recently working as a Question Leader. Brian earned a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Maine in 1988 and an M.A. in mathematics from the University of Maine in 1990. He is certified as a 7–12 mathematics teacher as well as a Curriculum Coordinator.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.