2011 - Regional Teacher of the Year

Carrie teaches math, algebra and leadership at Rochester Middle School. Nearly 70% of all 8th graders at her school will have Carrie for math, and they will all hear her mantra: “It’s never too late to love math!”

Since her arrival four years ago the number of 8th graders meeting standard on statewide assessments has doubled. Carrie works tirelessly with her team and math coach to develop innovative methods and utilize new technologies in the classroom. Last year she started an after school math club (regular attendance was 25 kids) and the math team entered both regional and national competitions. Since her algebra class counts for a high school credit, she also works closely with the high school math department.

As the ASB advisor of just three years, Carrie has built a cadre of school leaders who model compassion for students at the middle school and service to the community outside of their school. From school levies and food drives to charity walks and holiday meals – Carrie’s leadership students are just about the most active volunteers in their community!

Carrie is passionate about developing a culture of respect and empathy in her school and to combat the often devastating effects of bullying. She has coordinated an anti-bullying campaign and is developing lessons for advisory focused on nurturing positive behavior.

Carrie’s dedication to her students and the craft of teaching is an inspiration to many. Colleagues marvel at her overnight leadership retreat that begins on the last day of school and often credit her with rekindling their love of teaching. Parents praise her as an exceptional role model, especially for girls who are ready to love math.

As her colleague, Beth Wilson, observes, Carrie is transformative: “She is highly intelligent and insightful. She sees things as a whole system and grasps how every stakeholder will be affected while the rest of us are still grappling with the idea. She is resourceful and connected to people who can help, and she finds a way to make anything of value to our students and school happen despite the obstacles . . . the best and the brightest of our staff seek Carrie’s input and perspective on projects, and she somehow makes them believe they can do even more than when they sought her out.”