A teacher with the Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) has been awarded the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Kristen Mason will travel to Washington, D.C. to receive her award at a ceremony to be held on September 8, 2016.
Mason has taught mathematics for 12 years with six of those years at L.W. Ruppel Academy for Advanced Studies teaching honors math. She is currently the coordinator of middle school math instruction for JPPSS.
“I want to congratulate Ms. Mason on this prestigious national award,” said JPPSS Superintendent Isaac G. Joseph. “She has the passion for our work – providing students with an education so that they can meet the rising challenges of our global workforce.”
As a classroom teacher, Mason promoted a positive, collaborative learning environment where all students had the opportunity to be successful and become “Math Masters.”
“Each day, I strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity for an excellent education,” she said. “I am honored to receive the Presidential Award and I owe this award to those who have encouraged me, including my mentors, colleagues, students’ parents, and family. This recognition truly belongs to my students, whom I am privileged to have taught.”
Kristen has an A.B. in sociology and political science, with honors in sociology, from Brown University. She has a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. She is certified in fourth through eighth grade mathematics and is National Board Certified in Early Adolescence/Mathematics.