Jacob Warner

Helena, MT | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

My motivation comes from helping students see the beauty and structure of mathematics. To help them see that they can be good at something they thought was a weakness. It's incredibly satisfying to see their confidence grow. The relationships I build with my students are what sustain me and my work, even on the toughest days. They are essential to creating an excellent learning environment.

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

There have been many big moments in my career, from winning grants to being awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. However, these aren't the moments that come to mind. My impact is affirmed by the small, everyday instances: a student finally understanding a concept that has eluded them for weeks, or one telling me that math was always their least favorite subject but my class is their favorite. And there's nothing quite like receiving a heartfelt thank you card from a student for truly seeing them, genuinely caring for them, and believing in them.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

I am fostering the next generation of thinkers and innovaters. I empower students to pursue their passion, whether it is engineering or working in the trades. I advocate for mathematics education in my roll as the president of the Montana council of teachers of mathematics. My current passions include project based learning and global education. My long-term goals include working as a school administrator or on a policy level.

Biography

Jacob “Jake” Warner has been involved in mathematics education since 2010. Jake teaches at Capital High School in Helena, Montana. He teaches 9th-12th grades in Honors Mathematics 2, Technical Mathematics, and Robotics. Previously, Jake was the Mathematics Instructional Coordinator for the state of Montana for three years. Before that, he taught at Chandler High School, Bernard Black Elementary, and at E-cademy High School. Jake served as the president of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is an active member of the Montana Federation of Public Employees. Jake regularly presents professional development on topics such as "Standards Based Grading", "Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces", and "National Board Certification". Communicating a love of mathematics and developing innovative, hands-on projects that appeal to students are Jake’s hallmarks. In his classroom, Jake uses real-world examples and active learning to keep students excited and interested in the lessons. Jake has a B.A. in construction engineering technology from Montana State University and an M.Ed. in secondary education from Arizona State University. Jake is a National Board Certified Teacher. Jake is a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms participant. Jake is certified in secondary mathematics, building trades, and engineering.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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