June 22, 2010

OHHS teacher wins prestigious Presidential Award for math Nicola Wethall helps students discover math their way

Contrary to popular opinion, math is a creative process: just ask Oak Harbor High School algebra and AP Statistics teacher Nicola Wethall.

Wethall recently sat on a table top, her legs swinging as she peppered her students with questions. Rather than focus on a particular formula, Wethall was stirring the mathematical pot, getting students to discuss their different ideas to determine an answer to a particular problem.

The approach appeared to be working. Students were comfortable expressing a variety of ideas, even with a stranger in their midst taking photographs. In a cooperative manner, they worked their way to an answer. That's the classroom atmosphere that Wethall fosters.

Wethall's teaching style and ability has caught the attention of her peers. President Barack Obama recently announced that Wethall would receive 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award is considered the highest honor a high school math or science teacher can get.

Typically, one math teacher and one science teacher from each state is recognized with the Presidential Award. Wethall will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events. Last year, Wethall earned her national certification as a math teacher.

"Science and technology have long been at the core of America's strength and competitiveness, and scientists and engineers who have led America on its remarkable path to success share something very precious: science and math teachers who brought these critical subjects to life," President Obama said. "Today we honor some of the best of these teachers and thank them for their dedication. They are inspirations not just to their students, but to the nation and the world."

The journey from enthusiastic student to honored teacher took a few odd turns for Wethall, but she never strayed far from her lifelong goal.

"I always knew I would be a teacher," she said. "As early as 4th grade I'd bring home all the extra dittos and make my little sisters do them as homework."

The surprise is that she ended up teaching math at the high school level. Wethall said she always wanted to be an elementary school teacher, working with young learners on all subjects. But something happened in college. Her interest in math blossomed and soon became the one skill that matched best with her desire to teach.

"I felt like I could be an expert in this one area," she said. "And if I worked with the younger kids, I would never be an expert in teaching reading and writing and science. I decided this is where I could make the most difference for kids."

Wethall's classes are student-centered. Rather than the model where the teacher stands in front and shows kids how to do math, Wethall pushes for student exploration, cooperation, and discussion to reach mathematical conclusions.

"It's not lecture driven or teacher-centered because I don't think that's consistent with how people learn," she said. Wethall said it's not necessary to start with a set of rules and procedures. That approach prohibits some students from really getting a deeper understanding about math. Through discussion and creative ideas, the kids are able to come up with their own mathematical rules that work for particular types of problems. "And then their knowledge is founded through some type of context," she said.

"Mathematicians are not followers," she said. "They are creative people. They are looking for creative ways to solve problems."

Wethall was nominated for the Presidential Award by Dick Sander, a 1993 winner of the award and Oak Harbor's secondary math coach for the last five years. Sander, now a math curriculum specialist with Everett schools, credits Wethall for her flexibility as a teacher.

In a discussion environment, he said, students don't always respond in the way you planned the lesson. "It's an impressive skill to take what the students are saying and doing and using that to help move them to the target."

"Her classroom environment is such that when you walk into it you can see students learning," Sander said. "You almost have to see her in action to appreciate it."