Kira Christensen

Teacher

Year Honored: 2009

Washington High School
Sioux Falls, SD

At the time of the Award, Kira Christensen was:

Teacher
Washington High School
Sioux Falls, SD

Subject(s) taught: Mathematics
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12

Biographical Information

Kira Christensen, a high school math teacher, is showing students at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD, that the calculator can be a powerful tool that renders previously mind-numbing equations useful and even interesting. In just five short years, Christensen has become a master of mathematics instruction. Math achievement scores at Washington High have risen dramatically as a result of her energetic teaching strategies.

Using differentiated instruction and best practices techniques, such as Marzano’s and 21st Century Learning skills, Christensen teaches upper- and lower-division math classes with a strong emphasis on technology. She organized and taught a day-long district workshop for students on the effective use of Texas Instruments graphing calculators. Christensen also provides training for teachers in both math and science at the district level, and serves on the district’s curriculum writing committee. Her efforts were rewarded with a recent, prestigious invitation: Christensen became one of only 30 teachers in the country asked to participate in a Leadership Development Group at Texas Instruments, a gathering for those who understand the power of the calculator.

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