Burley Teacher to Receive Presidential Teaching Honor

CHICAGO, IL - A teacher at Burley Elementary School will receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching next month in Washington, D.C.

Catherine Ditto, who has taught mathematics, science and writing at Chicago Public Schools for 22 years, was one of 213 math and science teachers nationally to be named by President Barack Obama for the honor, the White House announced on Monday.

“The Presidential Award validates my teaching and the critical role teachers play in making rigorous mathematics accessible and success attainable to all students,” said Ditto, a two-time national board certified instructor. “Always, I have sought to create opportunities for students to reason and communicate in ways that develop sound mathematical ideas and sophisticated mathematical practices. I am grateful for the generosity and collaboration of my colleagues and mentors.”

Ditto will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation after being recognized during a Sept. 8 ceremony in the nation’s capital.

Before her time at CPS, Ditto conducted research for revisions of Math Trailblazers at the University of Illinois Teaching Integrated Math and Science Project and was a facilitator for Deborah Ball’s Elementary Mathematics Lab in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Ditto and the other recipients of the honor were selected by a panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators after an initial selection process at the state level. They represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

"The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our Nation’s success,” Obama said. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge.”

Photo: Catherine Ditto, of Burley Elementary School, will receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.