Indian Hill teacher earns prestigious award for excellence in mathematics education

Jennifer Theiss

The Indian Hill School District congratulates Indian Hill Primary School teacher Jennifer Theiss for receiving the George B. Chapman Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education, in association with the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. This is the foundation’s 22nd year presenting this award.

“I am honored and humbled to have been nominated and selected to receive this award,” said Theiss. “I am passionate about developing confident mathematical thinkers at the youngest level in order to build a strong foundation, but more importantly, a strong LOVE of math. Having the continuous support from Indian Hill to focus on learners as the whole child is incredible, as each student is able to grow and gain confidence in their ability as true mathematical thinkers. My hope is that this love continues throughout each child’s experiences at Indian Hill and beyond!”

“Through the presentation of complex problems and a classroom structure that encourages learning from each other, the students in Mrs. Theiss' classroom not only gain skill as mathematicians, but also confidence to tackle novel, complicated problems,” said Indian Hill Primary School Principal Dr. Erin Owens. “Her students are not the only Braves to benefit from her unique style of teaching. She always has her door open to colleagues who want to see what it is like to teach mathematics through problem-solving.

“Her passion for giving all students the possibility to love mathematics means she works with teachers K-12, presents at local, regional, and national conferences, and continually shares her learning and strives to improve her practice. She is an exemplary teacher and student in every way.”

Theiss was selected by a committee of fellow educators to be the winner of this award. The recognition ceremony will be held at our annual Jennings Educators Retreat on July 27-28, 2023.

According to their website, for more than 60 years, the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in grants to Ohio’s non-religious, public PK-12 school programs for a wide variety of projects and initiatives that foster DEEP LEARNING and EXCELLENT TEACHING. Begun in 1959 as a joint effort of Martha Holden Jennings and her nephew, Arthur S. Holden, the Foundation has sought to support the highest quality teaching, and teachers, across Ohio.

Photo caption: Indian Hill Primary School teacher Jennifer Theiss for receiving the George B. Chapman Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education, in association with the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.