Susan Palmberg

Storrs, CT | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I am driven by a deep passion for mathematics and the joy of helping students discover its beauty and relevance in the world around them. I strive to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. Knowing I can inspire the next generation of problem solvers and innovators motivates me to continually grow as an educator and contribute to excellence in STEM teaching.

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

One of the most transformative moments in my teaching career was seeing a former student, once struggling in pre-calculus, grow into a confident and successful civil engineer. After tutoring her over the summer, she returned to take my advanced calculus class and thrived. Years later, she shared, “That support and guidance helped me to continue to advance with my level of math, and ultimately led me to the career path that I have followed.” Her words affirmed that the time, care, and persistence we invest as educators can truly change the trajectory of a student’s life—and in turn, shape the future of STEM.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to inspire and support other educators by sharing innovative strategies that integrate technology, such as VR and interactive platforms, to deepen student understanding and engagement in mathematics. By mentoring teachers and showcasing the impact of immersive tools in the classroom, I aim to help transform STEM learning and advance our nation’s future in science and mathematics.

Biography

Susan Palmberg spent her entire 36-year teaching tenure at Edwin O. Smith High School teaching mathematics. She currently teaches Geometry, Advanced Calculus I and II, and Advanced Multivariable Calculus. These calculus courses are dual enrollment courses coordinated with the University of Connecticut. Incorporating her passion for mathematics and technology, Susan has designed innovative lab activities—often using virtual reality and interactive digital tools—that help students visualize complex concepts and apply classroom learning to real-world experiences. Susan designs student-centered interactive tasks that promote student engagement in her classes and encourage student discovery, problem solving, and critical thinking. Her students work in visibly random groups at vertical non-permanent surfaces, struggling together through problems daily. As a technology coach, she supports staff in using technology by developing and posting content on the school’s training website, in addition to conducting in-person training sessions. Susan has presented sessions on productive struggle, visible thinking, and student-centered learning at various districts around the state. She serves on the District 19 Board of Education Grading Policy Committee and the Edwin O. Smith High School Artificial Intelligence Planning Team. Susan received the honor of District 19 "Teacher of the Year" in 2011. Susan has a B.A., cum laude, in mathematics from Clark University and a Master of Mathematics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She is a certified secondary mathematics educator. Additionally, Susan is certified by the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University as an adjunct professor to teach dual enrollment courses.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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