Math ed group honors Northwest professor

By Phil Cobb | December 17, 2015 |

Photographer: Darren Whitley
Jennifer Wall

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Jennifer Wall, Maryville, an assistant professor of mathematics and statistics at Northwest Missouri State University, has received the post-secondary Outstanding Educator Award from the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

The award, presented at the organization’s annual conference in Columbia, recognizes successful teaching, professional service, and the presentation and publication of scholarly work.

“Dr. Jenni Wall is a woman of great character and humility who adds value to her students, her school, and her profession,” said Ann McCoy, MCTM president and associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Missouri.

Wall is the author of numerous publications and regularly presents at workshops sponsored by MCTM and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She has designed and created iPad applications to help children learn mathematics and organized family math nights for local elementary children and their families.

McCoy said that Wall, during a term as president of the Missouri Mathematics Association for the Advancement of Teaching Training, lead efforts to improve mathematics education and teacher preparation statewide.

Before joining the Northwest faculty in 2005, Wall taught in the Maryville R-II School District. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest.

“My greatest challenge is balancing my professional life between teaching, professional development, scholarship, service, and student support,” Wall said. “With all of the involvement in different committees and research projects, it is easy to forget why we signed up for this gig — to teach.

“So when a student comes to my office for extra help, I am elated. It means I get to stop my other work briefly and work one-on-one with a student. Those are the times that I get to experience the most joy in teaching. When their light bulbs turn on in my office, it seems as if they shine a lot brighter.”