Teacher honored for work with math
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 9, 2010 1:46 PM
Jennifer Cochran
Rosewood High School teacher Jennifer Cochran has been named secondary school mathematics teacher of the year for Wayne County Public Schools.
An educator for 11 years, Mrs. Cochran was recognized for using a variety of teaching strategies, including the integration of technology to help explain or enhance mathematical concepts. She also developed semester projects and hands-on activities that allow students to learn math through interaction and exploration.
Recognized during a recent school board meeting, she was called a "leader in mathematics."
"To help her students master challenging concepts from the North Carolina math curriculum, Mrs. Cochran has found that extra support and encouragement are the right variables in the equation for student success," board member John Grantham said.
In addition to strengthening her students' math skills, she also works to be a resource for her peers, he said.
"She has attended N.C. Partnership for Improving Mathematics and Science workshops and has presented NCPIMS activities as part of professional development for math teachers," he said. "She also participates with other district math teachers in the math-science week at Berkeley Mall."
Mrs. Cochran received her bachelor's degree in human resource management with a minor in mathematics from Mount Olive College. She received a teaching certificate in math from East Carolina University and a master's degree in education in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in technology from Grand Canyon University.
As Wayne County's 2010-11 outstanding secondary school math teacher, she recently represented the district at the state math conference held in Greensboro. She also received a one-year membership in the N.C. Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a personalized award, and will be recognized along with other winners in the NCCTM journal, the Centroid.