Two Cape teachers take top math honors
Two Cape Henlopen School District teachers each received $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., as winners of an annual presidential award given to math and science teachers.
Kristin Gray, a math specialist for Shields Elementary who was Teacher of the Year for Cape in 2015, and Robin Corrozi, who teaches AP Calculus at Cape High, are two of four teachers chosen from Delaware for this year's award.
"The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our nation’s success,” said President Barack Obama in a September announcement. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”
A total of 213 mathematics and science teachers representing all 50 states were awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Since 1983, about 5,000 teachers have received $10,000 from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.
Gray has 20 years of experience teaching and continues to work in the classroom helping teachers plan and implement teaching strategies.
“In teaching and learning, I believe the journey is the destination. Receiving the Presidential Award as a landmark on that journey is humbling and exciting because it underscores the importance of what I do every day: create safe learning spaces that allow every student the opportunity to think deeply and creatively about mathematics,” Gray said following the announcement of her award. “This award is a reflection of the remarkable people who have influenced me, those I have influenced, and the countless experiences that shape me as a teacher.”
In addition to her 2015 Teacher of the Year honor at Cape, she works for the Teaching Channel to produce videos to help teachers nationwide. Gray has presented at annual National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics conferences since 2013 and she recently was named to the Rodel Teacher Council of Delaware.
Gray has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics from the University of Delaware and a master's degree in applied technology in education from Wilmington University.
Robin Corrozi received the award for her years of teaching mathematics at Cape High. She has taught mathematics 11 years, including Advanced Placement calculus and interactive mathematics program.
Corrozi said she is honored to be part of a group of esteemed teachers.
This award celebrates, at the national level, classrooms that equitably provide students an opportunity to engage in learning mathematics and science, she said.
“The award also means there are other teachers across the country engaging students in understanding mathematics and science authentically.”
Corrozi said she challenges her students to explore problem-based mathematics with curiosity and independence through small group discussions and full-class presentations. She supports deeper student thinking through conversation and exploration of mistakes as a base for learning. Her students are empowered to be mathematicians by solving problems, she said.
Professionally, Corrozi has managed professional development training in Delaware and New York City. She has co-presented at the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics national conference for the last two years, and presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional conference in 2015. Corrozi participates in a statewide K–12 Leadership Community, school-based Vanguard Technology Committee, Avid Site Team, and a district-wide Common Core State Standards Implementation Committee.
She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the Rutgers University and she is certified in grades 6–12 mathematics.
