CTL’s Roland O’Daniel Honored with MESA Award

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CTL Director of Programs Roland O'Daniel recently received a Mathematics Education Service and Achievement (MESA) Award from the Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics (KCTM) for outstanding contributions...

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On November 25, 2013
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Roland & Jo Ann MESA Award 11 13

CTL’s Jo Ann Mosier & Roland O’Daniel as Roland receives the MESA award for contributions to mathematics instruction from the Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics

CTL Director of Programs Roland O’Daniel recently received a Mathematics Education Service and Achievement (MESA) Award from the Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics (KCTM) for outstanding contributions to mathematics instruction statewide. Speaking about her colleague at the presentation, CTL educational programs specialist and mathematics consultant Jo Ann Mosier noted that Roland is a “true researcher” who systematically seeks out best practices for teaching mathematics and then shares those results to broaden the knowledge of classroom teachers. Roland “pushes our thinking for the advancement of student mathematical knowledge,” Jo Ann says. She also calls him a “guru” on classroom use of technology to advance mathematics experiences and conceptual understanding.

Roland noted his deep appreciation of the recognition and acknowledged KCTM’s key role in “bringing together like-minded (professionals) who understand the practice” of mathematics instruction.

Jo Ann is herself a former Presidential awardee for excellence in teaching mathematics and Kentucky Department of Education Highly Skilled Educator. Under the auspices of CTL’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Education Regional Education Laboratory (REL)-Appalachia, Jo Ann and Roland worked together to conduct the first ever randomized control trial that studied blended instruction—classroom teaching combined with online lessons.

Roland has also worked with teachers throughout Kentucky and Indiana on mathematical literacy, using CTL’s Adolescent Literacy Model. He has coached teachers, modeled lessons, and with CTL colleague Drew Perkins, has worked with teachers and administrators on classroom technology integration in rural schools as part of the Berea College Promise Neighborhood Initiative in eastern Kentucky. Roland is currently project manager for CTL’s work in college and career readiness with GEAR UP Kentucky.

Roland’s work with teachers is infused with a passionate belief that all students can learn, and that all experiences can lead to learning. Jo Ann recalls one morning before a hybrid algebra teacher training when Roland, an avid bicyclist and runner, walked his dog, mapped the route with his smart phone, graphed it, and brought in the data to kick off a conversation with teachers about seeing algebra through different eyes.

CTL congratulates our colleague, Roland O’Daniel, on this well deserved recognition!

For more on Roland’s mathematics work with CTL visit Mathematics and the Common Core.