Denise Trakas

Reno, NV | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Channeling enthusiasm, community, collaboration and innovation to inspire the mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and thinkers of tomorrow is what motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching. Inspiring these young minds to tackle problems while also anticipating challenges and responding to those challenges is the core of my instructional practice. This type of innovative thinking will be necessary to problem solve in a world that is constantly changing.

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

The most transformative moment that affirmed my impact on STEM education was receiving the Presidental Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science teaching (PAEMST). This has been the pinnacle of my career in education and the highest honor as a mathematics teacher. It reflects my many contributions to the field and the work I do each day with students and in coaching other STEM educators.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I will continue to advocate to advance STEM education opportunities starting in early childhood. Through strong foundations, I hope to encourage problem solving and innovative thinking, so all children have access to pathways that fill them with joy and wonder while also advancing our nation in STEM. I will also continue to use the platform in my role as a mathematics coach to enhance and uplift other STEM educators leaving a legacy of devotion to enhancing STEM.

Biography

Denise Trakas teaches seventh grade mathematics at E. Otis Vaughn International Baccalaureate Middle School, where she has been teaching for four years. In addition to teaching, Denise currently serves as the Instructional Leader for the mathematics department and part time mathematics coach. In prior years, Denise held positions as the district's K-5 Mathematics Program Facilitator for 12 years and Northern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program's K-8 Mathematics Regional Trainor. Prior to focusing strictly on mathematics, Denise taught for five years at the elementary level. Denise is appointed faculty to the University of Nevada, Reno. She has taught Methods for Teaching PK-8 Mathematics and currently teaches Foundations of Mathematics. Denise has served as a board member for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM). She has served on committees and presented at conferences for both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and NCSM. Denise also served as the president of the Nevada Mathematics Education Leadership Council (N-MELC). She is currently on the board for the Council of Presidental Awardees in Mathematics (CPAM). Denise incorporates global contexts into mathematics teaching. Through hands-on, problem-based experiences, she highlights mathematics in current and relevant contexts. Denise strives to support her students in building understanding of how mathematics can inform decisions and how these decisions can impact our lives and the lives of others around the world. Denise incorporates technology to build understanding and leverage mathematical experiences. Denise has a B.A. and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada. She holds an M.A.T. from Sierra Nevada College. She is Nationally Board Certified.

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.