Phillips Receives National Math Ed Awards

Congratulations to Elizabeth “Betty” Difanis Phillips, who has received two prestigious national mathematics education awards. She received the 2023 Ross Taylor/Glenn Gilbert National Leadership Award from the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, NCSM. She also was honored with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NCTM. Both awards were bestowed on Betty at the annual meetings of each organization in October in Washington, D.C.

Betty is a faculty member in the MSU Program in Mathematics Education unit, PRIME, and is an author of the Connected Mathematics Project, CMP. Betty’s contributions to the field of mathematics education have been revitalizing the lives of students and mathematics educators across the country for decades.  

The NCSM national leadership award carries the name of two leaders in NCSM’s history, Glenn Gilbert and Ross Taylor. Gilbert served as a teacher, mathematics supervisor, NCSM Treasurer and board member, whose positive attitude supported his belief that students can succeed, and that teaching is rewarding. Ross Taylor, who has been described by his peers as “a Leader of Leaders,” is noted for his contributions towards the founding of NCSM, and he was a supporter and advocate for addressing inequalities within mathematics education for underrepresented groups. He believed in equitable issues being the forefront of the NCSM agenda.  

NCSM members take time each year to nominate someone in mathematics who exhibits the qualities of Gilbert and Taylor in their work and contributions. Previous Taylor/Gilbert National Leadership Award recipients from MSU include Gail Burrill (2019), Glenda Lappan (2007), and Irvin Vance (2004). 

Betty was nominated for the 2023 NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award by CMP teachers Shawn Towle and Anne Marie Nicoll Turner, pictured at right with Betty. Previous NCTM Lifetime Achievement awardees from MSU include Gail Burrill (2012) and Glenda Lappan (2004).

Congratulations, Betty, on these outstanding achievements!  

Additional photos from the awards ceremonies appear below. Thank you to Billie Lozen from CMP and Lisa Keller for the photos!

Written by 

Ansley Duke and Lisa Keller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty with list of NCTM Lifetime Achievement Awardees (above).

Betty with recipients of current and past NCTM Lifetime Achievement Award (below).