Being a recipient of the Presidential Award for mathematics is an honor, and I feel privileged to have been selected for such a prestigious award. This award would not have been possible without the support of my family, colleagues, and students. It has been a powerful experience to see children improve both in mathematics and in mathematical confidence. This award is not just a reflection of my work, but also of the effort and diligence of my students, family, and colleagues.

Kristen Jarboe Frankfort, KY | K-6, Mathematics, 2008

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

Kristen Jarboe has served as the mathematics intervention teacher for primary through third grade mathematics at Elkhorn Elementary School in Frankfort, KY, since 2006. Mrs. Jarboe previously taught fifth grade mathematics for four years at Elkhorn Elementary School and served as a substitute teacher for Franklin County Public Schools for two years. In her current position, Mrs. Jarboe has had a significant impact on student learning as a result of her research on the relationship between early numeracy and mathematical understanding. She has worked to create opportunities for small-group instruction, allowing struggling students the opportunity for individualized attention and, ultimately, mastery of skills. An exemplary teacher, she is a role model for not only her students but also her colleagues. Her collaboration with grade-level teachers, as well as her leadership in organizing staff training, has encouraged classroom teachers to use numeracy-based strategic instructional methods to promote student learning in mathematics. Mrs. Jarboe has developed and implemented a mathematics intervention program for kindergarten through third grade students and designed a schoolwide mathematics assessment for primary through second grade. She has also facilitated the professional development of classroom teachers and provided mathematics instruction for students of varying abilities. Mrs. Jarboe is lauded for her commitment to seeing all students performing at proficient levels in mathematics problem-solving and application. She believes in the importance of maintaining the integrity of high-quality instruction. She motivates her students to become lifelong learners of mathematics concepts and principles. She has promoted enthusiasm for mathematics beyond the classroom by organizing an after-school mathematics club and Family Math Nights. Mrs. Jarboe has a B.S. in middle grades education with an emphasis in mathematics and language arts from Western Kentucky University and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kentucky. She has a rank II teaching certification in kindergarten through fourth grade and fifth through eighth grade mathematics and language arts, mathematics consultant certification, and Math Recovery Intervention Specialist certification.

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