Peck Place Teacher to be Honored at the White House

ORANGE, CT — Congratulations to Nicole Gilson, a teacher at Peck Place School in Orange, who is being honored by the White House Thursday for her work in teaching mathematics and science.

Gibson is one of 213 teachers being honored across the country and was selected by a panel of experts picked at the state level, NBC Connecticut reports. She'll receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and is invited to a White House awards ceremony.

Gilson recently completed her 18th year of teaching elementary school. Currently, she teaches fifth grade at Peck Place School. She has also taught first, third, fourth, and sixth grade.

According to a profile and statement on Gilson, "Nicole’s approach to teaching mathematics is based on the learning needs of her students. Assessing data such as homework, pretests, and quizzes, Nicole differentiates her instruction by using a workshop-style model: mini lesson, small group targeted instruction, math partners solving problems together, then gradually releasing responsibility to the student," the profile states.

Nicole uses the concrete-representational-abstract teaching method to develop mathematical concepts, her profile states.

"Being selected for the Presidential Award is by far the biggest accomplishment of my career. As a child, I struggled with mathematics. I made it my mission to help children develop a strong number sense and understand the practical use of mathematics. I am fortunate to work with amazing educators and mentors. Being a part of the nomination process has made me a stronger educator and proud to be among other professionals that feel as passionate as I do about what we accomplish every day," Gilson said in a statement released.

She is also a cooperating teacher and mentor guiding student teachers in making the teaching of mathematics meaningful and successful, her profile states. She has served on many professional development committees in both math and science for her school district, the profile adds.

Written by Brian McCready

(Editor's Note: We first published this story earlier in the week but here it is again in case you missed it.)