College of Education and Human Development
Lindsey Atkinson Receives Math Teacher Scholarship
September 5, 2013
Congratulations to Lindsey Atkinson for receiving a teacher scholarship to support her studies at George Mason University.
Lindsey Atkinson
Ms. Atkinson is enrolled in the Math Specialist Leader (K-8) program, which is offered by the Graduate School of Education, part of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). She is one of three 2013 recipients to receive the Elementary Mathematics Scholarship presented by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and the Mathematics Learning Center.
“We couldn’t be more proud that one of our students has been recognized with this national award,” said Margret Hjalmarson, associate professor and academic program coordinator for the Mathematics Education Leadership program. “Lindsey’s deep commitment to teachers and students is inspiring and the kind of leadership quality we seek in all our math leaders in schools.”
Ms. Atkinson is a math resource teacher at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. She explained some of her reasons for wanting to pursue an additional master’s degree at Mason. “Although having the Math Specialist Leader master’s was not required for my position, I wanted to truly become a specialist in the area in which I am teaching and help teachers as well as students to the best of my ability,” she said. “George Mason has an excellent program and I have gained so much from the courses I have already completed.”
The principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary noted that the school has just been identified by the state as a FOCUS school in the area of mathematics. "Lindsey’s expertise is needed more than ever," said Principal Lisa Barrow. "She is indeed worthy of this scholarship and I am confident she will more than pay it forward through the positive impact she will have on our students."
The Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) program that Ms. Atkinson is enrolled in was one of the first in the nation and is acclaimed for preparing teachers to take on leadership roles as mathematics education specialists. Ten graduate courses are required, including five mathematics courses, four education courses, and an internship.
In keeping with CEHD's foward momentum in the area of online learning, the master’s program is being transformed into a fully online program with synchronously-delivered instruction. Sections of the online courses fill up almost immediately. It is anticipated that the master’s program will be taught 100% online starting Fall 2014.
Ms. Atkinson noted that she is halfway through the Math Specialist Leader program, which will make her academically qualified for the mathematics specialist endorsement from the Commonwealth of Virginia. “I want to continue to grow in my own knowledge of teaching and mathematics and become the best resource that I can for teachers and students,” she said. “I am excited to continue studying and learning so that I may be successful in my field as a math resource teacher.”
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- Mathematics Education Leadership program: gse.gmu.edu/math
Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD. Or subscribe to CEHD Connections, the college's occasional e-newsletter.