PAEMST – Mathematics

The 2019 PAEMST awardee for 7-12 mathematics in West Virginia is Karen Donathan.  Karen has served as a teacher for 28 years and has taught mathematics, engineering, and computer science courses at George Washington High School in Kanawha County for the past 23 years. She spent the previous four years teaching mathematics and science courses at Hayes Junior High School and one year teaching mathematics at Northwest Whitfield High School in Georgia. Currently, Karen teaches Computer Science and Mathematics (an introductory programming course), Advanced Placement Computer Science A, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles, and Advanced Programming Concepts to 9th-12th grade students. These courses not only offer the study of programming skills, but also focus on computational thinking, leadership, and collaboration skills. Her students thrive in these hands-on, lab-based courses. Karen has been deeply involved in the College Board’s AP program for 22 years as an AP Computer Science A reader, table leader, and question leader. During this time, she served on the AP Computer Science A test development committee for seven years, with four of those years as the high school chairperson. She is also currently a second-year Code.org computer science principles facilitator, working with teachers in West Virginia and helping them become computer science teachers. Karen has also presented teaching techniques at many professional conferences, including Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE) and the AP annual conference. Karen earned a B.S. in applied mathematics and certification in computer science from the University of Akron. She also completed education courses for teaching certification at the University of North Georgia. She is a certified West Virginia teacher with certification in mathematics, grades 5–12.

The 2018 PAEMST awardee for K-6 mathematics in West Virginia is Allison Shriver.  Allison began her teaching career in 1998 and has taught at Bradley Elementary School in Raleigh County for the past 10 years as a fifth-grade mathematics and science teacher. She previously taught at Glen Alpine Elementary School and W.A. Young Elementary School. Allison serves on her district’s innovation team focusing on using technology and inquiry effectively in the classroom. She utilizes mathematical discourse and interdisciplinary activities to make real-world and global activities mathematical and engaging. Allison’s passion for mathematics led to her being named the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year. She has presented at state and regional conferences and has twice been a national recipient for her work in global education. She was selected as a 2012 Rural Global Fellow, traveling to study localized handcrafts of Europe. She was selected as a National Education Association Foundation Global Teacher Fellow, culminating in a place-based learning experience in South Africa in July 2019. Allison is a National Board Certified Teacher as a Middle Childhood Generalist. She serves as a mentor to teachers pursuing this elite credential through the West Virginia Department of Education. She earned a B.S. and M.A. from West Virginia University and is certified in elementary education and gifted education.

The 2017 PAEMST awardee for 7-12 mathematics in West Virginia is Craig Mason. Craig is currently a mathematics teacher at Magnolia High School in Wetzel County. Previously, he taught mathematics at Morgantown High School, Paden City High School, and New Martinsville School. Craig focuses his teaching on building his students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics through solving application problems and real-life task scenarios. Craig’s background as a civil engineer has brought a real-world perception of mathematics into the classroom. He strives to have his students present their mathematical knowledge as if they were actual engineers, doctors, carpenters, business owners, or other professionals. His creativity within the classroom has allowed his students to cultivate a true understanding of mathematics and how it is applied to the real world. Craig served as a local trainer for the Mathematics Design Collaborative (MDC) program through the Southern Regional Education Board, and his classroom was featured in its publication titled “Making Math Matter.” Craig earned a B.S. and an M.S. in civil engineering and an M.A. in secondary education (mathematics) from West Virginia University. He is certified to teach mathematics for middle and high school and also teaches College Algebra through West Virginia Northern Community College.