Joan Shane

Silver Spring, MD | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Being a great teacher/leader is the key to unlocking the potential in every student. STEM education gives students the skills to think critically, to problem-solve and to be as creative as they wish to be. High-quality STEM teaching levels the playing field, for all students, in all communities. I am driven by the opportunity to help make STEM education more inclusive and accessible. Well taught STEM classes instill confidence in our students which has a positive impact on their lives.

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

“But why does this work?” This question is a transformative one. As a teacher, I realize that sometimes we can be so focused on "how" to solve a problem, that we neglect the "why" or the exploration or the discovery of what we are trying to do. As someone who fosters mathematical thinking, the "why" is the most important. I design my lessons to emphasize conceptual understanding, reasoning, and student inquiry. In class we solve more open-ended problems, multiple solution pathways, and discussions around the "why" behind the "how." These moments taught me that students crave meaning and that deeper understanding builds both confidence and curiosity. Math should not just be learned—it should be explored and experienced and ENJOYED.

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

I would focus on advancing our nation in STEM by amplifying teacher leadership, promoting equity in STEM access, and fostering innovation in classroom practices. I would advocate for the voices of STEM educators in shaping curriculum, policy, and professional development. I would champion efforts to close opportunity gaps in STEM. I would represent STEM educators in conversations with policymakers, industry partners, the broader public—bridging classroom expertise with national priorities

Biography

Joan Shane is currently the Mathematics Content Specialist (CS) at Sligo Middle School and has taught mathematics there for the past 12 years. She spent the previous 11 years teaching fifth grade at Oakland Terrace Elementary School with a focus on mathematics. As the CS, she is responsible for the professional development of all mathematics department teachers, and is constantly amazed at the tremendous impact that her team has on their students. Her CS responsibilities also include observing and analyzing teacher performance to ensure that all teachers in her department are providing students with the best learning experience possible. She also teaches both advanced and grade level mathematics classes. In the classroom, Joan is dedicated to making sure that each student feels seen, heard, and understood. She strives to make a personal connection with each student by learning their individual “math stories,” experiences, expectations, and concerns. Joan firmly believes that students' needs must come first, and she attempts to live up to this philosophy every day. Joan has mentored dozens of teachers during her tenure and is a supervising teacher with Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers at Montgomery College. She proudly challenges her student interns to become enthusiastic and excited middle school mathematics teachers. She has also made numerous presentations to teachers and leadership both within her school and at the district level. Joan holds a B.A. in history from Indiana University, Bloomington, and an M.A.T from Johns Hopkins University. She holds an Advanced Professional Certificate in elementary and middle school education. Joan was named an Extraordinary Educator in Bethesda Magazine in September of 2022.

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.