Erin Schroeder

Waunakee, WI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Being named a PAEMST awardee affirms my 25-year commitment to creating high-quality, student-centered, and equitable learning environments where all students are knowers and doers of mathematics. I’m motivated by the belief that every student deserves access to meaningful math experiences that empower and inspire. I will continue to advocate for equity and excellence in STEM education alongside dedicated colleagues who share this mission.

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

One of the most transformative moments in my teaching came through student-led data investigations in my AP Statistics class. I encourage students to explore school-based issues—such as the dress code, intervention period, and the final exam schedule—and present their findings to school leaders. These projects have led to actual policy changes, empowering students to see the real-world impact of mathematics. When students realize their voices and data can influence change, they begin to understand the true power of STEM. That shift—from learning math to using math—transforms their identity and confidence as problem solvers.

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I am committed to advocating for high-quality, equitable STEM education. I will use my platform to elevate teacher voices, support instructional practices that empower all learners, and foster culturally relevant, data-driven learning. By centering students’ lived experiences in mathematics, we help them see themselves as capable change agents—and that’s how we build a stronger STEM future for our nation.

Biography

Erin Schroeder has taught mathematics at Waunakee Community High School for the past 26 years. Throughout her career, she has taught all levels of high school mathematics within both integrated and traditionally sequenced curricula, and she currently teaches AP Statistics and Precalculus. A firm believer that the best way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics, Erin’s classroom is a dynamic space filled with student-generated data, graphs, and project summaries. Her students regularly collect and analyze their own data, often investigating personally meaningful or community-based questions. Erin’s instruction is rooted in the Standards for Mathematical Practice and fosters student agency, critical thinking, and collaboration. Beyond the classroom, Erin serves as the advisor for the Waunakee Math Team, where she cultivates an environment of joyful, collaborative problem solving. Under her leadership, the team consistently places among the top schools in the region while maintaining a strong culture of inclusivity, curiosity, and fun. Since 2007, Erin has served as both the mathematics building coordinator and co-chair of her district’s K–12 mathematics department. In these leadership roles, she has mentored new teachers, supported professional learning across grade levels, and championed student-centered, equitable instructional practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in guiding her department through multiple shifts in instructional delivery, ensuring students continued to receive high-quality mathematics instruction. Erin holds a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent/Young Adult Mathematics.

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.