Renae Castelluci has been an educator with the West Allegheny School District for over 30 years. She began her career teaching third grade mathematics and science at McKee Elementary School and now serves as the District’s K–5 Mathematics Coach. Renae is passionate about knowing her scholars. Her student-centered classroom was rich in hands-on tools and visual models, fostering deep understanding. She challenged her “McKee Mathletes” with rigorous tasks and relevant projects, cultivating confident, flexible thinkers who learned through inquiry, collaboration, and peer feedback. She is passionate about having her McKee Mathletes fall in love with math. Renae is a lead curriculum consultant, writer, and trainer for the District. Renae advocated for the systematic transition to an inquiry-based model of mathematics instruction and was appointed to work closely with national level consultants from the University of Pittsburgh to assist in transitioning the District to an inquiry-based design. Renae is a lead designer of professional learning for her colleagues, and her classroom is a model classroom to train teachers on how to design and implement inquiry-based lessons. She provides professional support for colleagues by sharing best practices and mentors new teachers. She authored the Mathematics Achievement Center for all new hires. Her work as a transformational leader is widely recognized and respected. Renae holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a certification in Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University. She actively contributes to state-level curriculum work, attends conferences, and engages with national math organizations such as NCSM and NCTM.
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