2013 PAEMST Secondary Mathematics Awardee

Marianne Chowning-Dray

Secondary Mathematics Presidential Award Recipient

"While I am incredibly honored to be receiving this award, I do so knowing that I am just one of many mathematics teachers who works hard every day to develop young minds, promote a love of learning, and build an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of math. I share this with the entire Eastside community (particularly with my colleagues, both past and present) who inspire me with their commitment to our profession. Together, one student at a time, we are making our mark on the world."

Marianne Chowning-Dray has been teaching mathematics at Eastside College Preparatory School for the past eight years. She spent the previous nine years teaching at Gunn High School and working as a beginning teacher coach in the Palo Alto Unified School District. Previously, she taught in Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Marianne moved to Eastside Prep with the goal of developing a math sequence that would culminate in Advanced Placement Calculus BC. Located in a community where there is a 65 percent high school dropout rate, Eastside's mission is to send every one of its first-generation college bound graduates to a 4-year college.

With the support of this unique school community, Marianne was able to build a mathematics program that leads roughly one third of its students through Calculus BC. With an AP pass rate of at least 80 percent over the last seven years, the program speaks to the fact that when students are immersed in high expectations and given the necessary supports, possibilities are boundless.

Teaching Algebra II/Trigonometry and BC Calculus, Marianne instructs every Eastside student at least once before graduation. She is committed to creating lessons that make content both accessible and engaging.

Marianne received a B.A. in mathematics from Smith College, earned a M.A. in education from Stanford University, and holds a California Single Subject Teaching Credential.