The purpose of the NCCTM Innovator Award is to recognize and reward individuals and/or groups who have made an outstanding and noteworthy contribution to mathematics education and/or NCCTM.

Nomination Instructions and Form (PDF)

Questions? Contact Ana Floyd, Asheboro City Schools [afloyd@asheboro.k12.nc.us].

2024 Recipient

Preparing to Teach Mathematics with Technology Project (PTMT)

NCCTM proudly recognizes the recipient of the Innovator Award. For nearly two decades, the PTMT project, under the leadership of Hollylynne Lee and Karen Hollebrands from NC State University, Allison McCulloch from UNC Charlotte, and Charity Cayton from East Carolina University, has been at the forefront of integrating technology in mathematics education. The team has developed a suite of research-based curriculum materials focused on the effective use of technology tools to enhance the teaching and learning of critical mathematics areas in middle and secondary mathematics, including Algebra, Statistics, and Geometry. The PTMT curriculum enhances teachers' ability to foster students' mathematical thinking, equitable learning experiences, and authentic engagement with mathematics. This work has directly prepared over 6,000 teachers, influencing thousands of students by enriching their learning experiences with technology.

This cross-institutional collaboration aims to build and sustain a robust community of mathematics teacher educators. Most high school mathematics teachers completing their teacher preparation or advanced degree programs in North Carolina over the past 15 years have been influenced by the PTMT materials. This wide-reaching effect is further amplified by PTMT team alumni who continue to utilize and expand upon these materials in other UNC system campuses, ensuring that the legacy of PTMT not only endures but also evolves.

Supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, PTMT has showcased sustained excellence and growth. The PTMT's reach, with over 250 mathematics teacher educators and materials used in 35 states and 15 countries, speaks volumes about its impact. The project's commitment to ongoing research and professional learning is evident in its extensive dissemination efforts, with over 80 publications (including the Centroid) and 60 presentations at various conferences (including eight NCCTM conferences).

Previous Recipients

2023 Dr. Joshua Griffin and Project Math Success
2022 Dawne Coker
2019 Nathan Borchelt and Sloan Despeaux- Math Teachers' Circles Project
2018 Denise Johnson; NC Collaborative for Mathematics Learning
2017 Ellen Hilgoe
2016 Eric and Kimberly Marland
2015 The Burroughs-Wellcome Fund
2014 Drew Polly; NC Component of the American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
2013 Sid Rachlin; Editors of The Centroid
2012 Math Celebrations (Logo Contest)
2011 NC School of Science and Mathematics
2010 Vincent Snipes
2009 Archie Benton
2009 Charlotte Mathematics Club
2008 Bampia Bangura
2008 Professional Engineers of NC
2007 Susan Friel
2007 State Math Fair Committee
2006 Lothar Dohse
2006 State Mathematics Contest Committee
2005 Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
2005 Gail Stafford
2004 Jeane Joyner
2003 Becky McLawhorn
2002 Betty Long
2001 W. Earl Mitchell, Jr
2000 Tom Blackburn and Virginia Hawn
1999 Clifford Z. Adams
1998 Harold Williford
1997 Harold B. Reiter
1996 Jerry Taylor
1995 John Goebel
1994 Ralph Willis