FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University faculty member, Dr. Stephanie Jones, has been named the 2021 College/University Mathematics Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was honored during a virtual meeting on Saturday, April 24.
When Jones learned she had received this recognition she was both shocked and grateful.
“I was definitely surprised, but also felt very honored. This recognition makes me feel like the work I’ve been doing is appreciated,” said Dr. Stephanie Jones, Fairmont State University assistant professor. “My students are hands down the best part of my job, and my motivation to continue introducing new, innovative methods of teaching.”
Jones was nominated by her peers who called her work ‘always impeccable.’ Jones was also nominated by her peers for implementing active learning components and online math support programs.
“We at Fairmont State are thrilled that our colleague Dr. Stephanie Jones has been recognized statewide for her contributions to mathematics education,” said Dr. Steven Roof, Dean of the Fairmont State University College of Science and Technology. “We know firsthand her dedication to the profession and her passion for teaching, assisting, and pushing students to achieve more than they thought possible.”
Jones serves as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Fairmont State, where she primarily teaches education courses for elementary and secondary teacher candidates. Prior to her tenure at Fairmont State, Jones taught math at Fairmont Senior High School for nine years and was named Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Council of Teachers in 2015.
Jones graduated with bachelor’s degrees from Fairmont State in mathematics, mathematics education and chemistry education in 2004. She received a master’s degree in mathematics from West Virginia University, and possesses a doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction from WVU.
“We are grateful to have Dr. Jones as a member of our Falcon Family,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “Her work has made a profound impact on the lives of our students, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award. We look forward to the continued strengthening of mathematics education throughout the state as Dr. Jones inspires future educators.”
“There’s so much opportunity as a math teacher throughout the state, especially at the secondary level in middle school and high school,” Jones said. “Don’t be afraid to break the mold – I encourage my students to develop lesson plans where they’re promoting conversations and engaging students, rather than just providing problems for them to solve and practice.”