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2023 Election Candidates

Candidates for President

Nikita Patterson

Present position in GCTM:  Member

Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

  • Spelman College, B.S.

  • Georgia Institute of Technology, B.Ch.E.
  • Clark Atlanta University, M.A.
  • North Carolina State University, Ph.D.

    Professional Experience:

    • 2017- Present: Georgia State University- Perimeter College
    • 2015-2017: Gordon State College
    • 2008-2015: Kennesaw State University
    • 2007: Texas Instruments
    • 2002-2006: Georgia State University

    GCTM Offices/Committees:

    • Georgia Mathematics Conference (GMC) Board - Director of Records, 2018-2022
    • GMC Board – Chair, 2017-2018
    • GMC Board – Interim Director of Exhibits, 2015-2016
    • GMC Board – Chair, 2011 and 2012
    • GMC Board – Program Committee Chair, 2010
    • GMC Board – Director of Exhibits, 2003-2005
    Other Professional Organizations and Offices:
      • American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) – Atlanta Conference Local Events Coordinator, 2021-2024
      • AMATYC 50th Anniversary Task Force, 2021-2024
      • Georgia Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (GMATYC) – Nominating Committee, 2022-2024
      • GMATYC – President, 2020-2022
      • GMATYC – President-elect, 2019

      Honors and Awards:

      • Leadership Academy for Women Faculty (LAWF), 2022-2023 cohort

      • International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME) Travel Grant Awardee, 2021
      • Outstanding Junior Faculty Award Nominee, 2022 and 2020
      • Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award, 2013
      • A.T.O.M.S. Center Faculty Fellow, 2012-2014                                                                                                              

        Candidate Statement:

        "I believe that one of the biggest challenges facing educators today is the work-life balance.  As educators, we are often focused on meeting the needs of our students without taking time out for our own mental and physical wellbeing.  Our students are facing uncertainty and anxiety about the future, and we are as well.  GCTM can take a holistic approach to addressing the needs of educators by taking into account the emotional, social, physical and financial factors that affect us.  In addition to offering professional development for mathematical content and pedagogy, GCTM can offer support for educators in the form of creating programming on tips and strategies for self-care, wellness, wealth management, and mentoring.  We all have to be our best selves in order to foster an environment of working together in the mathematics classroom."

        Don Slater

        Present position in GCTM:  VP of Constitution and Policies 

        Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

        • Berry College (1973) BS in Mathematics and Drama/Speech

        • West Georgia College (1980) MEd in Secondary Mathematics Education

        Professional Experience:

        • 1981-2019 — Lassiter High School (Cobb County, GA) — Mathematics Teacher,

        • Department Chair (2003 – 2019)
        • 1977-1981 — Cedartown High School (Polk County, GA) — Mathematics Teacher
        GCTM Offices/Committees:
        • Vice President for Constitution and Policies (2003 – 2007, 2018 – present)

        • Summer Academies Committee (2012 – 2014, 2018 – 2019, 2022)
        • GCTM State Math Tournament Committee (1987 – 1988, 1995 – 2019)                                                    

        Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

        • GA2PMT (Georgia Association of Advanced Placement Math Teachers) President (2013 – 2015)

        • ARML – Site Coordinator (2007 – 2019)
        • NCTM

        Honors and Awards:

        • Lassiter Teacher of the Year
        • Lassiter STAR Teacher
        • GCTM Dwight Love Award
        • GA2PMT John Neff Award
        • MAA Edyth May Sliffe Award
        • ARML Alfred Kalfus Founder’s Award

        Candidate Statement:

        "Although currently retired after having taught high school mathematics for 42 years, I’m still involved with GCTM doing presentations, helping with summer academies and math team, and advocating for mathematics teachers. What I’ve found is that Georgia teachers and students are second to none. GCTM is a national leader in the resources made available through the Georgia Math Conference, summer academies, and its publications. The past three years have been a challenge for everyone involved in education. GCTM rose to the occasion by holding virtual conferences, and by working with the Georgia DOE to help meet teachers’ needs as they prepared to roll out a new mathematics curriculum. We need to continue this partnership with the Georgia DOE to enhance and supplement their resources with additional materials. Mathematics without meaning is hard for anyone to learn. Students need to see where math fits into their world in order to make the subject authentic – and we have many teachers in Georgia who are doing that right now who share their expertise at the GMC and summer academies. I love mathematics, and believe that all students can learn and develop a similar appreciation if given the opportunity and a purpose. I want to help GCTM continue its tremendously positive impact on teachers and students, and would be honored to serve as President for this task."

        Candidates for Secretary

        Storie Atkins

        Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

        • University of Alabama, B. Ed., Secondary Math Education
        • Columbus State University, M. Ed., Secondary Math Education
        • Columbus State University, S. Ed., Secondary Math Education
        • National Board Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood/Mathematics

        Professional Experience:

        • Columbus High School, math teacher and department chair, 2002 - Present
        • Chattahoochee Valley Community College, part-time math instructor, 2001 - 2002
        • Harris County High School, math teacher, 1997 - 2000
        • Central High School, math teacher, 1995-1997

        GCTM Offices/Committees:

        • GCTM Secretary (April to Present)
        • GCTM state math competition committee (2013-2015)

        Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

        • GA²PMT – Secretary/Treasurer (2007-2019)
        • GA²PMT – President (2021-Present)

        Honors and Awards:

        • Rubin Award for Mu Alpha Theta chapter (2009)
        • GCTM Dwight Love Award (2011)
        • Mu Alpha Theta Regional Sponsor of the Year (2018)
        • MAA’s Edyth May Sliffe Award (2019)
        • Teacher of the Year (county level top 3 finalist/top 10 finalist) (2007/2018)
        • Star Teacher (state finalist) (2012/2019)

        Candidate Statement:

        "Since joining GCTM in 1995, I have been tremendously blessed by support of and growth in my teaching career.  As a classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience, my membership in GCTM has been instrumental in adding to my large collection of learning activities and lessons, sparked by inspiration in reading Reflections articles and attending sessions at GMC.  I have enjoyed being part of a community of teachers who are passionate about mathematics education as well as math competition for students.  It has been an honor to serve as secretary since 2021, and I would love to continue serving in this capacity.  I have experience in completing the duties required of the office of secretary, and I feel I have worked to improve certain tasks expected of secretary by incorporating more technology in the recording of meeting minutes.  I am committed to fulfilling all duties of secretary to the best of my ability and in service to an organization that continues to support me in so many ways.  I would be honored to earn your vote for GCTM’s secretary."

        Heather Craighead

        Present position in GCTM:  Member

        Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

        • Murray State University, BS Mathematics

        • Kennesaw State University, MAT

          Professional Experience:

          • Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher, i-Grad Virtual Academy

          • Mathematics Teacher, Creekview High School
          • Mathematics Teacher, North Forsyth High School
          • Mathematics and Science Teacher, St. Georges Episcopal School
          • Environmental Consultant, Science Applications International Corporation
          • Subject Matter Expert, Cherokee County School District

            Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

            • North Metro Math Circle

            • Department Chairperson
            • 504 Chairperson
            Honors and Awards:
            • Golden Apple Award, Gamma Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

              Candidate Statement:

              "A wise teacher once reminded me that to stay sharp, we need to stop and sharpen the ax. GCTM serves that purpose for a lot of busy teachers. Collaboration and curiosity is not just for our students. As I finally have enough experience to know what I do not yet know, I look forward to working with new and familiar professionals of GCTM"

              Candidates for VP of Advocacy

              Tonya Clarke

              Present position in GCTM:  West Central Representative

              Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

              • Capella University – Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
              • Western Governor’s University – Masters of Arts in Program Management and Innovation
              • Georgia State University – Bachelors of Science in Mathematics

              Professional Experience:

              • 2014-2023 - Coordinator of Mathematics – Clayton County Public Schools
              • 2011 – 2014 - District Instructional Facilitator and Site Based Instructional Facilitator - CCPS
              • 2007 – 2011 - Teacher Development Specialist - CCPS
              • 1998 – 2007 – Mathematics Teacher and Department Chair - CCPS

              Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

              • 2018 – 2020 - NCSM Nominating Committee
              • 2016 – 2018 - GCSM Secretary

              Honors and Awards:

              • 2023 Education Week Magazine National Leader to Learn From
              • 2021 Mathematically Gifted and Black Honoree
              • 2017 – Support Leader of the Year Finalist – Clayton County Public Schools

              Candidate Statement:

              "The pathway to equitable access in mathematics is marred by a lack of support, knowledge, skills, and/or exposure to the effective implementation of equitable teaching practices. This is especially true in lower income neighborhoods where the school systems’ ability to attract experienced teachers and coaches is challenged. These systems become overwhelmed with teachers who find the mathematical concepts challenging, the teaching practices foreign, and the time to prepare lessons unavailable. Leaders are distracted by conflicting priorities which result in improvement plans that fall short of providing the guidance necessary for comprehensive and consistent teacher support. Teachers need sufficient support. However, providing individualized guidance for productive mathematics improvement plans, personalized instructional implementation support, and/or collaborative lesson development may seem too daunting for one organization to affect. It is not. To fill these voids, Clayton County’s Mathematics Department established partnerships with universities and educational organizations who assisted with the development of teacher support structures that provided more time for planning and collaborating. Additionally, partners assisted with incorporating job embedded training and coaching. Forming these partnerships takes time, knowledge, and networks.

              To advocate is to act. The Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (GCTM) has the capacity to act on behalf of Georgia’s teaching population by ensuring educational and government leaders are clear about the organization’s position. GCTM has an empowering presence in the state of Georgia and beyond. GCTM’s position and expectations for teacher support and student access should be clearly expressed and shared with all leaders consistently. By connecting districts with partners and cultivating these partnerships, GCTM can empower district leaders and teachers to implement equitable teaching practices that lead to access and empowerment in mathematics for all students."

              Malik Henry

              Present position in GCTM:  Program Committee

              Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

              • B.S. Mathematics – University of Georgia

              • Full-Stack Flex Web Development Certification – Georgia Institute of Technology

              Professional Experience:

              • Mathematics Instructor – Georgia Governor’s Honors Program

              • Geometry and Algebra II Teacher – Temple High School
              • Robot Calculus Intern – University of Georgia
              • Assistant Wrestling Coach – Temple High School
              • Assistant Cross-Country Coach – Temple High School
              • Assistant Band Director – Temple High School

              Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

              • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Member – University of Georgia Redcoat Band

              Honors and Awards:

              • Region 5-A Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year                                                                                                              

              Candidate Statement:

              "As an educator, it has been my honor to dedicate myself to serving my community. Through my time spent as a mathematics instructor at the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program along with my experiences as a classroom teacher, I have become intimately aware of students’ desire to engage with mathematics in a more meaningful way. Through serving students of all different backgrounds and levels of ability, I have observed a common trend of students feeling that their learning experiences are disconnected from the world around them. As Vice President of Advocacy for GCTM, it would be my vision to bring together educators, industry leaders, and students for the purpose of creating more empowered problem solvers who will meet the needs of their environments. In this role, the end goal of my service would be to reestablish the connection between mathematics education and the broader community that relies on the effective education of problem solvers in a modern world."

              Candidates for VP of Honors and Awards

              Taylor Thompson

              Present position in GCTM:  Member

              Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

              • B.S. in Mathematics, Augusta University
              • B.A. in Foreign Language with a concentration in Spanish, Augusta University
              • Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Concentration), Augusta University

              • (In Progress) Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation, Augusta University

              Professional Experience:

              • Instructional Coach, Evans High School, 2022-Present
              • Mathematics Teacher, Evans High School, 2017-Present
              • Graduate Assistant Serving Student Teachers, Augusta University, 2016-2017

              GCTM Offices/Committees:

              • Central East Regional Representative (2019-2022)
              • Honors and Awards Committee (2019-2022)

              Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

              • PAGE
              • STEAMify Competition, Executive Board member
              • GAAPMT Member

              Honors and Awards:

              • Dwight Love Award, 2022 (GCTM)

              • PAEMST Nominee, 2021
              • PAGE Professional Scholarship, 2020
              • STAR Teacher, Evans High School, 2020
              • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, 2019
              • EdTech Innovator, Columbia County School District, 2018 - Present
              • Georgia Power New Teacher Induction Award Recipient, 2017
              • Augusta University’s Outstanding MAT Student of the Year, 2017
              • Augusta University’s Outstanding Mathematics Student of the Year, 2017

              Candidate Statement:

              " Teaching math is beautiful, AND teaching math is hard work! In my career, I have been blessed to work with and for a number of individuals who have been incredible encouragers, making me feel seen personally and professionally each day. GCTM and its people have become an important part of this uplifting network throughout my career, too. I would be honored to serve our organization as VP for Awards and Honors to help fulfill our commitment to “promote and reward excellence in the teaching of mathematics in the state of Georgia,” doing our part to show appreciation for the countless educators across the state who do amazing things in their schools every day. "

              Zach Veal

              Present position in GCTM:  GMC Director of Special Events

              Universities Attended and Degrees Held:

              • Educational Specialist: Georgia College and State University
              • Masters of Art in Teaching: Georgia College and State University
              • Bachelor of Science: Georgia Southern University

              Professional Experience:

              • 2022-2023 Dean of Students (Bibb County School District)
              • 2021-2022 RTI Coach (Bibb County School District)
              • 2019 – 2022 Math/Science Academic Coach (Bibb County School District)
              • 2018-2019 Math/Algebra Teacher (Griffin Spalding County Schools)
              • 2014 -2018 Math Teacher/PEC Lead Teacher (Griffin Spalding County Schools)

              Other Professional Organizations and Offices:

              • Bibb Association of Educators (Vice-President)
              • GCTM
              • Georgia Association of Educators
              • NCTM
              • Council of Exceptional Children

              Honors and Awards:

              • GCTM Teacher of Promise 2016

              Candidate Statement:

              "I believe that math should be an engaging experience that uses highly effective and aligned resources to develop and grow students to become persistent problem-solvers, in a rigorous learning environment, where students can use discourse, their creativity, think critically, and collaborate using reasoning skills to solve real-world problems. I believe GCTM provide resources that enables teachers to gain and have access to resources that enables teachers to allow students to have an authentic and real world experience as it pertains to mathematics. As a candidate for the Vice-President of Honors and Awards, I am an innovator and have the ability to inspire and bring excitement with a new perspective. I am committed to the GCTM and diligently works hard in any capacity that I am given. W.E.B. DuBois states that, “Education and work are the levers to uplift a people.” I hope that each day I inspire a student or teacher to increase their knowledge and help them reach their potential. This quote allows me to definitely be the epitome of what W.E.B. DuBois stated, I am being a lever that uplifts those I encounter."

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