Math teacher’s award adds up for West Ridge

Word problem: If a teacher receives a scholarship award worth $2,500 for himself, and the school where he teaches receives an additional $2,500 as a result of the award, what is the net worth of the award?

The answer: $5,000 plus change – change in the resources available to students at the school.

That is the case at 27J’s West Ridge Elementary School, where Josh Hawkins is a fifth-grade teacher AND a Math Hero.

Hawkins is one of only 32 recipients of the award nationwide.

Raytheon Company presents the Math Hero Awards “to deserving teachers who promote math to students in a fun and challenging learning environment.” Each Math Hero award winner receives a $2,500 award and a matching grant of $2,500 for his or her school.

Hawkins said the plan is for the school to use the money for specific materials and needs. He wants “the grade levels to have some resources that may help all kids -- no matter their level -- continue to improve their math abilities.”

The Math Hero Awards are part of Raytheon's MathMovesU program, a national initiative to engage middle school students in math and science through a variety of programs including contests, live events, scholarships, tutoring programs and more.
Hawkins presently teaches fifth grade but was teaching sixth-grade last year when he was nominated for the award. He is in his tenth year of teaching in 27J. He grew up in Pueblo and received degrees from Western State College as well as the University of Colorado / Boulder.

Of his career as an educator, he said, “I always just knew in the back of my mind that working with kids was the career path that would be the most rewarding/enjoyable opportunity for me.

“I really think the best part of this job is the relationships we get to create with kids. I enjoy the challenges that kids bring on a daily basis and I enjoy the opportunity to help change kids mind about math and to hopefully set them up for success in the middle grades.

“I really love the fact that I get to be a goofball for the sake of learning!”
Raytheon annually pledges grants and scholarships to students and teachers who recognize the importance of math in education, future careers, and daily life.