OWU Legacy Alison Drake ’03 Receives Highest Recognition for Teaching
Alison Drake ’03. (Photo courtesy of Alison Drake ’03)
Alison Drake, a summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, is one of only 97 teachers nationwide honored this year with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
This weekend, she and her fellow honorees will participate in recognition ceremonies and professional development sessions and meet with education policy-makers in Washington, D.C.
Since 1983, the National Science Foundation has administered the program on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology and has recognized 4,100 teachers for their contributions to the classroom and the profession.
At Ohio Wesleyan, Alison majored in German and international studies. Following her graduation, she served with the prestigious Teach for America program in rural North Carolina in 2003.
It was there she experienced firsthand the nation’s education gap and resolved to be part of the solution. She earned her teacher certification from Eastern Carolina University.
Today Alison is the eighth-grade Algebra I teacher and girls’ soccer coach at KIPP Believe College Prep in New Orleans, after previously teaching at KIPP Gaston College Prep in Gaston, North Carolina, where she was named Charter School Teacher of the Year in 2006. She is noted for her innovative mathematics curricula and for March Math Madness, a school-wide contest spotlighting mathematics knowledge.
The recognition organization’s website states: “Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. “In addition to recognizing outstanding teaching in mathematics or science, the program provides teachers with an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. This growing network of award-winning teachers serves as a vital resource for improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and keeping America globally competitive.”
Alison is the daughter of Sandi Aker Drake ’75 and Timothy Drake ’74 of Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Wesleyan sends congratulations to Alison and her proud parents.