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2024 ICTM Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Teaching Award

2024 ICTM Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Teaching Award

October 2024

October 2024

District 15 Teacher Emily Soenksen Receives Prestigious Award for Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Teaching

District 15 is extraordinarily proud to announce that Emily Soenksen, a middle school mathematics teacher, has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Teaching Award. This prestigious recognition is awarded to one exceptional teacher each year who demonstrates outstanding commitment to mathematics education and student success.

Emily has dedicated the past 13 years to shaping the mathematical minds of students across District 15, teaching at Plum Grove for seven years, Carl Sandburg for six years, and currently in her first year at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Her nomination was  submitted by Erika Johansen, Principal of Carl Sandburg Middle School, where Emily previously taught. Johansen praised her dedication, stating, "Emily is very passionate about math.” The Excellence in Middle School Mathematics Teaching Award highlights Emily’s innovative teaching approach, which ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to engage deeply with math concepts. “She believes strongly in running a classroom where students come in and have access to math concepts no matter what their learning abilities are,” said Johansen.

Emily's commitment to her students goes beyond the traditional classroom environment. Several years ago, while experiencing some burnout, Emily sought resources from the district to reinvigorate her teaching. Working with an instructional coach and reading the book “Building Thinking Classrooms”inspired her to shift her focus to student-centered learning, encouraging students to take the lead in problem-solving and their own thinking. This approach not only renewed her passion for teaching but also led to broader curriculum development across the district.

In addition to her classroom work, Emily has taken on leadership roles in professional development within District 15. She helped establish a book club for educators focused on rethinking math instruction, an initiative that has positively influenced teaching strategies throughout the district. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, Lori Lopez, noted, “We are so lucky to have Mrs. Soenksen as a mathematics leader in District 15.

Not only does she create an engaging classroom community, but she also collaborates with other teachers to create the best math experience for students.” According to her students, her teaching style has made a difference in their learning. They appreciate her ability to present multiple methods for solving problems, reinforcing the idea that there isn’t just one way to approach math.

Superintendent, Dr. Laurie Heinz shared how fortunate District 15 is to have teachers such as Emily Soenksen instilling a love of mathematics in our students. “The Board of Education and I commend her ongoing efforts to inspire both students and colleagues with her dedication to excellence in math education” says Heinz.

Emily Soenksen