Claire Redmond, a kindergarten teacher at Mandarin Oaks Elementary, was recently named the 2009 Duval Elementary Mathematics Council (DEMC) Mathematics Educator of the Year.
The DEMC Mathematics Educator of the Year is an annual award given to the most outstanding elementary mathematics teacher in Duval County. More than 50 teachers were nominated, and Redmond was one of three finalists. The other two were Brigitte Kimes from Pickett Elementary and Mariah Gaskins from Arlington Heights Elementary.
The announcement was made during a DEMC meeting at the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership. Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, School Board Chairman Tommy Hazouri, Deputy Superintendent Pat Willis, and other district personnel attended the event to show their support for all of Duval County’s elementary mathematics teachers.
Redmond received a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University in California and her master’s degree from the University of Oregon. She is very active in state and local organizations. She has also presented at local conferences as well co-authored an article on the role of algebra in the elementary classroom.
In her application for the award, Redmond wrote, "I am constantly striving to improve my instruction and to find ways to best engage my students. Mathematics at the primary level lays the foundation for students' later success and attitudes toward mathematics. While learning gains are an important goal, the most I can hope to achieve is to inspire my students to love mathematics."
As the 2009 recipient, Redmond received a $500 cash award from DEMC and Pearson Publishing, the sponsor of the event.
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