District Teachers Awarded Math for America San Diego Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship

Mira Mesa High School’s Frederick Griesbach, La Jolla High School’s Trang Vu and Suzanne Fore from Serra High School were among seven mathematics teachers countywide recently selected for the 2011 Math for America San Diego Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship program.

Math for America San Diego is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in San Diego County public secondary schools.

Supported through a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the five-year Math for America San Diego Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship offers comprehensive leadership training and professional development to experienced middle and high school mathematics teachers who currently teach in high need school districts.

“These teachers were chosen from a field of exemplary and experienced high school mathematics teachers from districts throughout San Diego County,” said Barbara Edwards, executive director of Math for America San Diego. “Each is dedicated to working with their colleagues to raise mathematics understanding and achievement in high school students. This program will enhance their instruction and leadership abilities and provide new opportunities for collaboration among department and district colleagues.”

Fellows receive an annual $10,000 stipend and rigorous professional development, including participation in a three-week summer institute and yearlong training sessions.

Griesbach has taught at Mira Mesa High School for six years. He is the co-founder and head of the Mira Mesa High School Varsity/JV lacrosse program and serves as a Mira Mesa High School Junior Varsity football coach. Griesbach holds a MA in Mathematics Education from State University of New York (SUNY), Albany; and a BS degree in advertising from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

Vu has more than 20 years of teaching experience in San Diego secondary schools. Before becoming a teacher at La Jolla High in 2000, she taught middle and high school mathematics at Gompers Secondary School and served as a master teacher for teacher candidates from various teacher education programs, including University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and National University. She was a mathematics instructor for the San Diego Community College District, Mesa College; and was program coordinator for the Before Calculus Program for UCSD. Vu graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA degree in Applied Mathematics and a MA degree in Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Design from UCSD.

Fore is a National Board Certified Teacher with more than 12 years of mathematics teaching experience. Fore was a runner-up for Teacher of the Year for San Diego Unified School District (2004-2005) and chosen as Teacher of the Year at Serra High School (2004-2005) and Garfield High School (1999-2000). She received a BA degree in Mathematics and Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego. She also holds a MS degree in Instructional Leadership from National University in San Diego.

For more information about Math for America San Diego, visit: www.mathforamerica.org/sandiego or contact the organization by email sandiego@mathforamerica.org or phone: 858-822-6284.

Plaques Mark Mira Mesa High Achievements

Board Member John Lee Evans and Supt. Kowba with JROTC at Mira Mesa High. More photos on Mira Mesa High website»

Mira Mesa High was honored last spring to be only one of five schools in the state that was a California Distinguished School and California Exemplary Career Technical Education Program. The honors mean the Marauders, according to the State of California, excel in both academics and career preparation.

The school marked the rare combination recently, installing plaques on the wall of the school's administration building. On hand for the ceremony were Board President John LeeEvans, Superintendent Bill Kowba and San Diego City Council Member Carl De Maio. Officiating were Mira Mesa High Principal, Scott Giusti.

Schools selected for the Distinguished School Award demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap. The Exemplary Career Technical Education Program award salutes the school's classes that include broadcast journalism, culinary arts and nutrition, JROTC.

The event featured the school's Air Force JROTC Saber team cadets and color guard, with more than 100 cadets greeted our many distinguished guests and community supporters. The celebration included entertainment by the Madrigal choir and a saxophone quartet.

The plaques were unveiled with a drum roll and then there was a reception with donations from major school supporter, Chick-Fil-A.

For more information on programs at Mira Mesa High, contact Principal Giusti at (858) 566-2262.