Emily Payán

Coon Rapids, MN | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by the moments when a student lights up with understanding or proudly explains their thinking. Those moments remind me why this work matters. I want every child to feel that joy, to see themselves as doers of math and science, and to know their ideas belong in STEM.

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

One transformative moment was presenting at the CGI National Conference and having educators tell me they were inspired to shift their math instruction. It affirmed that sharing my classroom experiences can ripple outward, impacting students far beyond my own. That moment deepened my commitment to advocate for effective, equitable STEM teaching.

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

I will use my platform to advocate for strong early math instruction, which research shows supports long-term success in math and reading. I want every student to find confidence and voice in their mathematical thinking, empowering them to see themselves as capable STEM learners and future problem solvers.

Biography

Emily Payán currently teaches all subjects of first grade at Evergreen Park STEM School of Innovation. She spent the previous six years of her ten-year teaching tenure in second grade and kindergarten at Adams Elementary School. Emily works to incorporate hands-on STEM activities into her mathematics curriculum. Her students have the opportunity to build marble ramps as they explore the Engineering Design Process and collect data on the effects of various ramp components on the marble's distance and speed. For several years, Emily has taught a Targeted Services course for elementary students who need additional support in mathematics. Students engage in mathematics talks and games that support them in meeting specific standards. Students learn to clarify their thinking, find their voice, and take academic risks. In all her classes, Emily incorporates work around neuroplasticity and growth mindset. Students transform from being unsure of themselves to being confident, capable learners. Emily has presented many sessions and participated in several panels at the local, state, and national level. She was a keynote speaker at the 2019 Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) National Conference. She co-authored an article that was published in McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math curriculum. Emily has been featured in the Math Learning Center’s Educator Spotlight in 2022. She is a regular guest in a local university’s Math Methods course for pre-service teachers. Emily received her B.S. in family social science from the University of Minnesota and her M.A.T. in elementary education from Hamline University.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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