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| Barbara Field |
Having taught all mathematics courses from 7th to 12th grade at Ridley, Barb strives to promote new and innovative teaching practices in her high school mathematics classes. After receiving two NSF grants to study computers, she initiated computer programming classes in her school. She was the first teacher to use calculators in mathematics classes and has always kept abreast with changing technology. Recently she was instrumental in eliminating the general mathematics program at the high school.
Barb tries to make every class period special and interesting. She prides herself at always doing her best and believes all students to be special in some way. Living in the district in which she teaches often causes her to meet former students who expect to be recognized. ³What they don¹t recognize is that after 37 years of teaching student faces tend to blend together.² She marvels at the fact that many of the teachers in her school district were once students in her classes. She recently became the senior citizen of the staff and is now referred to as elder stateswoman. Barb believes it important that every teacher cultivate patience and understanding since every child is different and each learns at his/her own rate. Teachers need to accept the fact that there are days when the they, themselves, may be responsible for poor conceptualization by students. One needs to continually strive, through different strategies and techniques, to reach all students. Many bright teachers know their material but have no clue as to how to pass this learning on to their students. The fact that so many students work every day after school makes class time particularly precious for them.
To Barb, the biggest challenge for teachers is motivating students to do their "very best." By using an applications approach (Connections) to help students realize the utility of mathematics in real world situations, students can gain and maintain interest in the study of mathematics. Today's teacher has to be a mother/father, a mentor, a friend, and one who imparts knowledge. It is a difficult job but the only one Barb ever wanted.
Barb is very involved in mathematics organizations as well as the state assessment committee. She identifies with no particular leader in mathematics education, but admires everyone she meets through PCTM, NCTM and ATMOPAV. Barb received ATMOPAV¹s Distinguished Service Award (1988 & 1994), PCTM¹s Outstanding Service Award (1988) and the 1989-1990 Tandy Outstanding Teacher Award.
Currently Barb has modified a previously overloaded schedule to teach 5 days and two nights a week. After July 1st she spends the summer on the beach and enjoys the time she spends with their daughter Donna and son-in-law Geoff and grandchildren David and Timmy.
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| Hank Field |
As a teacher/mathematics supervisor, Hank always kept abreast with new ideas and trends in mathematics education. He completed an NSF summer course in computer science in 1971, introduced computers into mathematics classes and wrote a complete semester course in Career Mathematics and Computer Programming. Serving as a supervisor of mathematics for 18 years, Hank provided the leadership necessary for the development of a complete assessment process for grades 1- 10. He remembers the challenges of providing enrichment for the mathematically gifted, finding ways to motivate the indifferent, and developing strategies to teach the mathematically disadvantaged. From "Modern Math," "Back to Basics," "An Agenda for Action," "Diagnostic and Prescriptive Mathematics" to the "Standards," Hank responded to daily changes in the educational process. He feels very fortunate that he was able to introduce computers to his students. According to Hank, "The biggest challenge in teaching is adopting appropriate teaching techniques and activities to provide for the social, emotional, and academic differences of students in the classroom." Teachers need to know their subject matter and must continually search for the most effective methods of presenting materials and ideas to students of different abilities.
Carl Frederick Gauss was Hank's favorite mathematician in the history of mathematics and was referred to many times in his classes. Dr. Albert Filano of West Chester University impressed Hank as being the best mathematics teacher he ever had and a leader in mathematics education in Pennsylvania (Dr. Filano recently received PCTM's Hall of Fame Award). As a whole, he is pleased with the quality of the workshops and sessions presented by members of the PCTM and its affiliates.
Hank has been supervising student teachers for Widener University and teaching at Delaware County Community College, since "retirement" in 1992. He is on the executive board of ATMOPAV and PCTM. He has been actively involved in positions of leadership at state and regional conferences, with registration, publicity, administrator conferences, hospitality, and finances. (Hank has taken the initiative to establish conferences which disseminated and explained the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards to administrators at NCTM Regional Meetings). He has also found time to make presentations at local and state meetings. His Awards/Honors include PCTM¹s Outstanding Contributions for Leadership and Service (serving as membership chair for 5 years), ATMOPAV¹s Outstanding Contributions for Leadership and Service and Distinguished Service Awards from PCSM and ATMOPAV.
Hank always maintained a low profile, but was always one to be counted upon to give quality time and expertise to matters involving the school mathematics and mathematics education.
Along with their many individual accomplishments, Barb and Hank Field are often together promoting mathematics. In 1986 they co-chaired the ATMOPAV fall meeting. They have even been seen dressed as Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross as well as Philadelphia Mummers in order to publicize NCTM Regional Meetings. Presently they are serving on the 1997 Valley Forge conference committee‹Barbara with on-site registration and Hank as treasurer. The two of them have developed a sizable number of friendships (many statewide) over their years in mathematics education and enjoy renewing those friendships at mathematics conferences.
They enjoy watching baseball, football, basketball, and the Olympic games on TV. Watching their daughter Donna¹s sons, David (7) and Timmy (5) is their greatest interest and enjoyment. In ten years, they hope to be completely retired and enjoying the grandchildren with a house on a lagoon with a boat and pool. They deserve it! One can see that these two have much in common. Isn¹t it ironic that both started their college careers as physical education majors? Both actively sought additional education to help introduce contemporary technology into their schools and classes, and both sought to make the mathematics curriculum an ongoing process. The two of them have served in many leadership (and service) roles in professional mathematics teacher organizations and have received several awards for their valuable contributions.
Those of us who know Hank and Barb look on them as strong individuals who make a great team. They are two very competent people we have grown to admire and respect.
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