Decorah HS teacher earns national award

President Obama has named Decorah High School mathematics teacher Allysen Lovsteun one of 108 mathematics and science teachers nationwide to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Lovstuen has been teaching mathematics at Decorah High School for the past 14 years.  She currently teaches Algebra 1 to freshmen and sophomores and Advanced Placement Calculus AB to juniors and seniors, which includes co-teaching a joint AP Calculus AB/Physics course.   

Says Lovsteun, "Being honored with the Presidential Award is exhilarating and motivating. This award serves as a validation of the learning and problem solving that I do in the classroom each day and is a testament to the administrators, colleagues, community members, family members, and students that have taught, supported, encouraged, and challenged me along the way."

Allysen works to increase student thought and mathematical discourse in her classroom and shares her enthusiasm for mathematics by engaging students in activities, encouraging discussion and appreciating diversity of thought.  Students in her classes work together to solve problems, prove mathematical patterns, and build understanding of the content, while having the chance to individually practice needed skills.

Lovsteun has a magna cum laude B.A. in mathematics and a M.A. in mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa.  She is certified in 5-12 mathematics and pre-K-12 talented and gifted.

Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events, and visits with members of the Administration.
 
"These teachers are shaping America's success through their passion for math and science," President Obama said. "Their leadership and commitment empower our children to think critically and creatively about science, technology, engineering, and math. The work these teachers are doing in our classrooms today will help ensure that America stays on the cutting edge tomorrow."