I am honored to be chosen for this, the most prestigious award for a mathematics educator. The Presidential Award is a testament to the effect every student and educator had on shaping me into the teacher I am. Achievement of this award is a credit to the hard work from my students and my passion for teaching mathematics. This award opens up opportunities for me to grow and challenges me to strive for even higher excellence in my teaching. I look forward to meeting this challenge head on!

Daniel Mattoon Niskayuna, NY | 7-12, Mathematics, 2015

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

Daniel Mattoon has been an educator for 11 years. He currently teaches Geometry, Multivariable Calculus, Computer Science II, and Advanced Placement Computer Science to several grades at Niskayuna High School where he has been teaching for seven years. Previously, Daniel was at Heatly High School and was a mathematics coach at Capital Region Boards of Cooperative Educational Services. Daniel has a passion for computer science and mathematics that he instills in students. He fosters mathematical discussion, encourages problem solving, and promotes deep understanding and reasoning. His lessons appeal to students across varying stages of understanding and with multiple learning styles. Daniel sets high expectations and accepts nothing but the personal best from his students. Daniel has given talks on Common Core, mathematical practices, and pedagogical methods and has been the current data manager for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State. He believes in encouraging young teachers to develop student centered lessons and has accomplished this by teaching in the graduate program at Clarkson University. Daniel earned a B.S., magna cum laude, in mathematics and computer science from Siena College. He has a M.A.T. from Union Graduate College. He is certified to teach 7–12 mathematics and is a National Board Certified Teacher in mathematics for adolescence and young adults.

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