Terry awarded prestigious mathematics teaching scholarship from TMTA

Terry awarded prestigious mathematics teaching scholarship from TMTA

Kim Chaudoin | 10/25/2024

Lauren Terry, a junior mathematics teaching major from Wetumpka, Alabama, has been awarded the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association (TMTA) Frandsen Scholarship for preservice teachers. The scholarship is awarded annually by the TMTA "to a promising undergraduate who is committed to teaching mathematics at the secondary or elementary level in Tennessee."

Terry, who has a passion for mathematics education, said receiving the scholarship is an honor and is thankful for the opportunities it provides as she prepares for a future career in the classroom.

"It's really an honor to receive this scholarship," said Terry. "I had the opportunity to go to the TMTA conference last year, and it was amazing to meet other math teachers and see the field that I am stepping into. To be added to the list of rising teachers that have received this scholarship is so cool!"

Terry's decision to pursue a career in teaching was influenced by her love of learning and the positive role that school played in her life.

"I chose to pursue teaching because of several factors. I love learning and school was a place that I could do that," explained Terry. "School was also a safe place for me and a place where I got to learn more about being myself. Being able to continue doing that for my students is so special."

She said she chose to go specifically into the math teaching field because she always enjoyed her math classes, but found that many others do not.

"I realized most of that (not enjoying math class) is simply because they did not have good teachers to teach them math. Since I knew I wanted to teach and love math, I decided on math teaching so I can help others understand the beauty of mathematics," Terry said. "I also do think that it is part of God's calling on my life because I have many memories of trying to teach my little brother math in our treehouse when we were little. He definitely was not listening but those memories are definitely a full circle moment for me."

Terry's dedication to her future students and to her craft of teaching is evident in her academic pursuits and involvement on campus. She serves as vice president of Lipscomb's Math Club, is a math tutor for the university's Math Lab and the College of Education, and is an ambassador for the College of Education. She is also a Noyce Scholar, a scholarship program for those pursuing teaching careers in STEM disciplines, and an honors student.

Professor Emily Medlock, who teaches in Lipscomb's College of Education, praised Terry's academic achievements and her dedication to her future profession.

"Lauren Terry is an exceptional student. She is passionate about mathematics education and cares about her students and her craft of teaching," said Medlock. "As a teacher candidate, Lauren has engaged in professional development to enhance her knowledge and growth as a future math teacher. I am so proud of how she has engaged with the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association."

Terry said she chose Lipscomb University for its welcoming environment and the opportunity to attend a Christian university.

"The first time I was on campus, I remember looking at one of the maps to figure out where I needed to go and multiple people stopped to see if I needed help. It was amazing and completely different from the other colleges that I had visited," she recalled. "I also came to Christianity my senior year of high school, so the idea of being able to go to a Christian university to learn more about that was also very appealing to me."

She has flourished at Lipscomb.

"My Lipscomb experience has been wonderful. Here at Lipscomb, I truly have a community that I would call family. The College of Education and Math Department continue to prepare me to be the best math educator I can be," said Terry. "I'm extremely excited to be able to apply what I've learned in my own classroom."

Learn more about Lipscomb University's College of Education.