Presidential Teaching Award
President Barack Obama has named 97 mathematics and science teachers as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Utah’s mathematics awardee this year is Vivian Shell who teaches at the Salt Lake Center for Science Education. Congratulations Vivian!
Vivian Shell has taught middle and high school mathematics in the Salt Lake City School District for 15 years. She has spent the past 4 years at the Salt Lake Center for Science Education, teaching and helping build a school for diverse learners. Previously, she taught pre-algebra, algebra, and English as a Second Language (ESL) math at Northwest Middle School. During a sabbatical, she worked to help students transition from middle to high school.
Vivian provides all students with access to quality education by working with their individual strengths. In her quest to help students find success and a sense of belonging, she has implemented support structures such as Girls’ Math Club, a Math in the City project, Math Lab, and an after school homework hall.
Vivian’s belief in collaboration has led to work with several learning communities, including cross-curricular teams, networks for inclusive practices, and curriculum design teams. She is a mentor for new teachers in the Alternative Route to Teaching program with Math for America. She is known for her innovative and accessible teaching methods and has presented throughout the State.
