The Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) has recognized Williamsport Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Kimberly Rishell as the 2023 MCTM Outstanding Mathematics Educator in the Elementary Teacher category. Rishell, who was presented with the award at the MCTM Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on October 18, was honored for her distinction in the classroom, her dedication to students, and her contributions to the greater mathematics education community.

Rishell says, “I am very honored to accept this award. I am very passionate about instilling a love of learning math in my students and helping them realize they can do math and it is fun! Over the past several years, I have worked closely with the math department at WCPS to develop and fine-tune math instruction in classrooms throughout our county in order to provide the best instruction for our students. It is nice to have this work acknowledged and to highlight the successes that are going on in classrooms across Washington County.”

WCPS Superintendent of Schools David Sovine says, “Congratulations to Mrs. Rishell for being recognized as one of the state’s outstanding math teachers by the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Teaching students at an early age to read, write, and do math is critical to student success. WCPS is fortunate to have talented and dedicated teachers like Mrs. Rishell who not only serve our students well but are dedicated to lifelong learning and helping their peers grow as teachers. She believes a problem-based curriculum and student-centered classroom are at the heart of great math instruction and recognizes the value of building a classroom community where students collaborate, think critically, and feel safe as they explore and learn each day.”

Rishell has been a teacher with WCPS for the past 25 years. She began her career at Sharpsburg Elementary School before moving to Williamsport Elementary School in 2012. During her career, she has taught fifth grade English language arts, science, social studies, and math. She has also served as a gifted and talented education teacher. Rishell has been teaching fourth grade math at Williamsport Elementary for the past seven years and serves as the WCPS fourth grade district math lead teacher.

The MCTM Outstanding Educator Awards are presented annually to individuals and/or co-teacher pairs who are employed in a Maryland school/district/institution and exemplify excellence in mathematics education by implementing research-informed practices in their daily work. Nominees must be members of MCTM and have been teaching for at least three years. Teachers nominated for the prestigious awards submit an essay and two references, including one from a supervisor and another from an individual familiar with their work. Finalists are also required to submit a video of their practice. All materials are reviewed by a panel of educators who selects the recipients of the MCTM Outstanding Educator Awards.

The MCTM is the state affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The organization serves as a public voice of mathematics education, inspiring vision, providing leadership, offering professional development, and supporting equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.