Congratulations to Kristin Cook, College of Western Idaho (CWI) Associate Professor of Mathematics, on receiving the Innovative Educator for Mathematical Ways of Knowing award from the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE)!
Cook was recognized on Thursday, Oct. 22, during a virtual award ceremony hosted on Facebook at SBOE’s General Education Summit.
“Cook is an exemplary instructor,” said Emiko Quintana, Mathematics Department Chair. “She continuously makes sure to learn about new and engaging technology and techniques to use in the classroom, and she has been instrumental in providing new and innovative ideas to our math gateway courses.”
Within mathematics, Cook’s passion is for statistics. The award she received recognizes the work she does with students in her Math 153 class – specifically the final project students complete using the statistical methodology they learned during class. “Statistics is great because students apply what they learn to their everyday life,” she said.
Cook has been teaching at CWI for the past nine years and enjoys helping each of her students learn and excel in her math classes. She was surprised by the award.
“I feel like this is an honor and something I wasn’t expecting. I feel it does recognize what I do in the classroom, that I care about each student and how I want them to be successful, especially in the classroom,” she added. “I believe anybody can do math.”
Her passion has helped grow the popularity of math classes at the College.
“She has been a leader in our Math department related to our statistics course, a general education math course which has grown in popularity over the last several years,” said Kae Jensen, Dean of Math and Science. “Additionally, she works closely with our four-year partners to ensure students are receiving everything they need and more to prepare them for transfer to another school. Kristin’s quiet, focused approach has served the CWI Math Department and our students very well.”
View the General Education Summit Kickoff and Award Ceremony
