Primarily Math Cohort 3 LPS participant Allyn Fujan, of Brownell Elementary in Lincoln, was the Lincoln East Rotary Club's first Teacher of the Month honoree for the 2012-13 school year. She has taught second grade at Brownell for six years.
Her recognition is in part due to her efforts in engaging students in after-school and summer programs which especially benefit at-risk students.
Additionally, as Allyn has begun sharing what she has been learning about mathematics and instruction, other teachers at Brownell Elementary have begun to view her as a leader. Recently, Allyn was approached by the fourth-grade teachers at her school asking for her advice for teaching long division. After perusing her Primarily Math notes, Allyn chose to contact UNL professor Jim Lewis and invite him to visit with her and her colleagues about best practices for teaching long division.
Of the experience, Lewis said, "I was honored that Allyn invited me to visit her school, and I really enjoyed discussing math and teaching with her colleagues. Allyn's peers in Primarily Math should know that my colleagues here at UNL are available to respond to this type of request."
Brownell Principal Chris Schefdore said in her nomination letter for the Rotary award: "Allyn's community service goes beyond the walls of our school. Allyn sponsors after-school clubs with the Northeast Family Center/Community Learning Center. She provides summer school experiences for our students who are considered 'at risk' and need further development academically and social/emotional growth throughout the summer months, and participates in the Primarily Math program in conjunction with UNL."
Along with a story and photo appearing in the Nov. 17, 2012, edition of Neighborhood Extra in the Lincoln Journal Star, Allyn received a $100 check to buy classroom supplies, a plaque and a $100 check for personal use.