'Aim to Inspire'. A plaque from my mom, a retired teacher, which I proudly display as a reminder of my purpose. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a student realize that they are capable of understanding and enjoying mathematics. I have had the opportunity to see the ripple effect my influence has created on each student with whom I come into contact. The award will help to amplify my actions to motivate and inspire more students and teachers to get involved with and strengthen the STEM field.

Christina Polanish Commack, NY | 7-12, Mathematics, 2019

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

Christina Pawlowski has spent her 13-year teaching career at Commack High School. She has taught all levels of mathematics, but presently teaches 9th, 10th, and 12th grade Algebra Lab, Advanced Placement Calculus, and International Baccalaureate HL Math. She is a strong advocate for teaching through modeling and incorporating literacy into curriculum, and involves her students in a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based discovery activities. Recently, her students calculated optimal dimensions of packaging and wrote the companies to share their findings. She presents on mathematics literacy at local, state, and national conferences and leads workshops in her district and at colleges. Christina believes all students can feel confident in mathematics. She is writing mathematics review books that use her literacy techniques to help the reader navigate challenging topics and problems. Christina is a member of many organizations including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Suffolk County Math Teachers’ Association, and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State where she serves as recording secretary and county chair. Christina was accepted into the New York State (NYS) Master Teacher Program and the NYS Academy of Master Teachers. Christina was chosen as Commack School District’s Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the 2018 NYS Teacher of the Year award. She joined the national network of state Teachers of the Year and has been published on their blog. Most recently she was honored by the Governor as a recipient of the NYS Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award. Christina earned a B.A. in mathematics and secondary education and a M.S. in mathematics from Hofstra University. She has her NYS Professional Certification in 7–12 Mathematics.

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