Making math doable is my mission as a teacher. Receiving the prestigious Presidential Award is an amazing affirmation of my personal commitment to teaching. It is a privilege to represent my fellow educators in our quest to advance mathematics learning. This honor is a tribute to all who support my professional journey: mentors, colleagues, administration, and most of all, my students and their families.

Kathleen Muza Sterling Heights, MI | K-6, Mathematics, 2010

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Kathleen Muza has been with the Utica Community School District for 12 years. She teaches sixth grade mathematics at Schuchard Elementary. Kathy strives to instill confidence and an appreciation for mathematics in her students. Her positive influence fosters success with challenging concepts and encourages her students to aim higher. Her strength is bringing lessons alive by using investigative learning with manipulative materials. She is passionate about creating opportunities in her classroom for all students to grow in mathematics understanding. Kathy has invested in the future of mathematics teaching by sharing her principles and techniques with eight student teachers. She serves as the building chairperson for mathematics and participates in the district committee for sixth grade curriculum and assessment. A leader among colleagues, Kathy was a district trainer for Professional Learning Communities focused on the use of data to make positive decisions in the learning environment. Kathy has a B.S. in elementary education, mathematics, from Wayne State University. She has an M.A.T. in elementary education from Saginaw Valley State University and is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Know a great teacher like Kathleen Muza?