Jim Lewis: Leader, mentor, and friend

Dr. Matt Larson, associate superintendent for instruction at Lincoln Public Schools, has written this heartfelt tribute to CSMCE outgoing director, Dr. Jim Lewis.
Dr. Matt Larson, associate superintendent for instruction at Lincoln Public Schools, has written this heartfelt tribute to CSMCE outgoing director, Dr. Jim Lewis.

Nearly 40 years ago, I was an undergraduate math tutor at UNL. I would often hang out on the eighth floor of Oldfather Hall in the math department lounge and work on my own assignments prior to tutoring. One night the Chair of the Mathematics Department came into the lounge, struck up a conversation, and helped me with my linear algebra homework. Little did I know that it was the start of a four-decade long mentorship, professional collaboration, and friendship that would change my life.

I can think of no one who has had a greater impact on mathematics education in the state of Nebraska than Jim. Through his vision, tireless leadership, and passionate advocacy, hundreds of mathematics teachers have benefited from, and many have gone on to be state and national leaders in their own right, through the Nebraska Math Scholars Program, the programs of the Statewide Systemic Initiative, and NebraskaMATH.

Jim’s leadership and influence go well beyond Nebraska. During my time as NCTM president, no matter where I went in the United States, from Florida to Alaska, the first question I was always asked after someone learned I was from Nebraska was, “Do you know Jim Lewis?” Jim is truly one of the national “legends” in mathematics education. I gained instant credibility simply because I knew Jim Lewis.

Jim earned his legendary status through unparalleled leadership and service. Jim served as chair of the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, chair of The Mathematical Education of Teachers II, acting assistant director at NSF, and as a member of multiple National Research Council and AMS committees that produced seminal reports on PK through doctoral level mathematics education.

It is not an exaggeration to say that in some way Jim has influenced the work of nearly every mathematics teacher at work in the United States today – whether they know it or not – an incredible professional legacy and testament to both the breadth and depth of his influence. Like many others, my own career in education would not have been as productive and rewarding without Jim’s support, wise counsel, and advocacy. I am honored to count him as a mentor and friend.

Dr. Matt Larson
Past President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Associate Superintendent for Instruction, Lincoln Public Schools