Miller receives Kaplan Award for innovative teaching

University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Developmental Math Coordinator Janette Miller has been selected to receive an Arthur M. Kaplan Award for the 2011-12 academic year.

Miller, who joined UW-Sheboygan in January 2006, is honored for her outstanding contributions in the instruction of Developmental Math courses at UW-Sheboygan and across the UW Colleges and for her efforts in the launch of the HAWKES program on the UW-S campus. The HAWKES program utilizes a mastery-based computerized mathematics software that allow students to complete more than one math course in a semester, thereby creating a shorter path toward the completion of core math requirements for the Associate’s degree.

The Arthur M. Kaplan Award Program was established to recognize outstanding contributions made to education by UW Colleges faculty and academic staff. It pays tribute to the positive spirit that Provost and Vice Chancellor Emeritus Arthur M. Kaplan contributed to enhance education at the UW Colleges.

As Developmental Math Coordinator for the UW Colleges, Miller stays abreast of developmental math teaching and learning issues, assesses the success of developmental math students and completes periodic research on improving developmental math courses and programming.

Miller holds a B.S. in Agronomy and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education-Mathematics, and worked towards a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (ABD). Prior to joining UW-Sheboygan and the UW Colleges, Miller taught mathematics at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Northeast Arkansas Community College-Bentonville, AR, Tulsa Community College-Tulsa, OK, and St. Petersburg College-St. Petersburg, FL.

According to Miller, the biggest triumph in her career at UW-Sheboygan has been in being afforded the opportunity to bring to the campus a new approach for delivering mathematics instruction that will help students be more successful in reaching their academic goals. Miller cited the campus community and students as being instrumental in the success of the new approach to teaching and learning mathematics

“Without their willingness to innovate, any attempt at redesigning the way we deliver developmental math would have failed before it had a chance to succeed,” Miller said. “I am humbled at having been nominated by my colleagues to receive this award. To actually have been named a recipient is really a great honor, especially considering the many outstanding colleagues within the UW Colleges.”

Miller, who lives in Manitowoc with husband Stephen, will receive a $250 stipend for professional development or supplies and equipment expenses. The UW-Sheboygan Foundation also will match the award with an additional $250 stipend for Miller’s use.

Press Release 1/25/2012