LORNA VAZQUEZ, GRANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s Distinguished Mathematics Educator (DME) award was established in 1983 and is the most prestigious award that the Council bestows. The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions and exceptional leadership and service to the Wisconsin mathematics education community.  The 2022 recipient of the DME award is Lorna Vazquez.

Lorna taught for many years in the Granton School District.  While there, she demonstrated long-term success in the high school classroom.  It was clear that she believed that all students can achieve when provided with a risk-free environment where they can experience success.

While she was first and foremost an outstanding teacher, she is also an outstanding leader, collaborator, and presenter.  She has written numerous articles on best practices in mathematics education, and has presented across the country and across the globe.  

Lorna truly is a life-long learner whose passion for teaching is evident in all that she does.  She continually sought opportunities to better her teaching, and her students clearly excelled as a result.  Lorna has traveled all over the United States and the world to learn how to better help her students become globally competitive. She has traveled to Australia, Russia, Japan and New Zealand to learn about international mathematics education, and has shared her expertise with many regional and area school districts to support and collaborate with teachers locally.

One nominating teacher had this to say about Lorna, “Lorna has always been a ravenous learner.  She realizes how tough teachers have had things for the past few years and really feels THEY need to be honored - not her!  She continues to inspire me to understand what this profession is all about - supporting others!  And while she may not like being singled out and celebrated - she is the epitome of what this award is all about.”

Dave Ebert, chair of the DME selection committee, stated, “Lorna’s selection as this year’s Distinguished Mathematics Educator is long overdue.  She has had a positive influence on mathematics education in Wisconsin and beyond for many years, and her body of work made her an easy selection as this year’s DME.”

Lorna was honored at the WMC Annual Conference in Green Lake, where she gave a moving acceptance speech, followed by an emotional congratulatory video from her family.  Congratulations to the Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s 2022 Distinguished Mathematics Educator, Lorna Vazquez.  The WMC would like to thank you for offering your leadership and contributing your expertise to the Wisconsin mathematics education community.