Congratulations to Jonathan Northouse, who was recently named the 2023 Don Miller Math Award winner by Lincoln Rotary Club 14. Northouse's teaching philosophy has evolved over his 23-year career, during which he has exclusively taught in Title 1 buildings, ranging from grades 2 through 6.
Northouse is constantly seeking new strategies and updating existing ones, always looking through different lenses to align with current research in areas such as math, brain development, trauma, poverty, equity, and psychology. He actively engages in ongoing professional development to ensure he implements the best teaching practices. Northouse firmly believes that the day he loses the desire to learn or improve his methods is the day he should retire. He finds immense joy in learning something new and relishes discussions with students about his newfound knowledge or ideas they bring up. Reflecting on the thoughts and strategies of former students who achieved success, he often names specific strategies after those students, reinforcing the notion that children's ideas are just as valuable as those of adults. By fostering a safe classroom environment that encourages purposeful conversations, Northouse empowers students to make their own mathematical connections, instilling a sense of confidence and autonomy.
Building strong relationships also is a cornerstone of Northouse's teaching philosophy. He firmly believes that trust forms the foundation for helping students achieve great things. Many of his students have initially approached math with dread or strong dislike, but through his efforts, their perspectives have shifted to viewing math as approachable and manageable. Northouse has received numerous emails and phone calls from former students and their parents expressing newfound love for math and pursuing related careers. Even though he may not remember specific instances, the sentiments shared by his former students resonate with his teaching style.
A graduate of the UNL Math in the Middle program, Northouse makes decisions in the classroom based on each student's perception of math, intentionally using words to foster belief in their abilities and acceptance of mistakes. According to him, "Mistakes are what lead us to solutions." Through the power of his relationships, he creates a safety net for students, reducing the pressure of right or wrong answers and opening doors to limitless possibilities. This approach nurtures a growth mindset among his students.
Northouse's class motto encapsulates his teaching philosophy: "Experience leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to confidence, and confidence leads to success." He draws inspiration from Andy Bassich's quote, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experiences, continuous learning, and self-belief in achieving success.
https://www.rotary14.org/Stories/jonathan-northouse-named-don-miller-math-awardee