Michelle Duphorne

Grand Prairie, TX | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Without strong STEM instruction and guidance in the classrooms we won't have future astronauts, engineers, and even technology that has yet to be conceived. I am highly motivated to help my students see the importance of STEM knowledge not only in schools, but in their future lives. I am humbled by my previous students who have defended us in the military, created impressive structures for many to live and work in, and hope to continue to see future students strengthened in their STEM knowledge.

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

An in-class "Aha!" from a student may not see like a "most transformative moment," and yet, it is. Students who once struggled to complete arithmetic problems and are now able to explain complex and abstract Algebra topics enable me to realize I am making a positive impact in STEM education. The truly surprising "Aha" moments come when students are able to explain these concepts to their peers within a class activity, demonstrating a deeper understanding that allows everyone to understand. I have been blessed with the ability to mentor other math teachers and help them, too, experience these moments, creating a lasting stream of knowledge that increases as students grow.

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

Our nation's future hinges on our ability to guide each generation to understanding its key STEM concepts. Scientific discoveries, technological marvels, and future explorations all require a keen understanding of mathematics. I hope to advance our nation in STEM education through the creation and presentation of innovative math lessons, sharing them with teachers in other schools, districts and states, to create a nation of highly skilled math teachers, leading a country of STEM-adept citizens.

Biography

Michelle Duphorne has taught for over 25 years, spending the last ten at Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute, with five years leading the mathematics department as its chair. She previously taught at Mansfield Timberview High School, Carter Junior High School, and Costa Mesa High School. She teaches 7th-12th grade students Algebra I, Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AVID 2 and AVID 3, as well as facilitates Dual Credit (DC) Precalculus, DC Psychology, DC Sociology, and DC Health. Michelle has also taught seventh and eighth grade mathematics, Geometry, and Algebra II. Michelle’s leadership expands beyond her home campus as she has been the District Mentor Teacher for AP Mathematics in four previous years. She has assisted new AP teachers with curriculum, presentation guidance, and offered virtual instruction for AP Statistics students. Michelle enjoys encouraging students to discover concepts through investigations using escape rooms, puzzles, and magic tricks she has created. Officially named into the Society of American Magicians nine years ago, Michelle was granted entry through her classroom use of magic as STEM in the real world. Michelle is a founding member of the Grand Prairie Independent School District Secondary Math Teacher Leadership Cadre where she has assisted new mathematics teachers in learning management software and creating interactive lessons for their classes. Michelle has a B.S. in mathematics with a specialization in applied mathematics from the University of California at Irvine and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is certified in elementary education, middle school mathematics, and secondary mathematics.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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