Math teacher and department chair Cynthia Baird's leadership has transformed the math department at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville into a model for the county. Adopting an investigative approach to learning, she has her students work in groups to discover math concepts. She also adopted Clemson University's Algebra Project, infusing technology and real-world applications into the traditional algebra curriculum. In addition to her own classes, Ms. Baird designed the school's integrated algebra and geometry program and has popularized the after-school math lab, drawing over 500 students last year. These efforts have helped improve math instruction and increased student achievement scores. A National Board Certified teacher and a frequent conference presenter, Ms. Baird recently taught at the Governor's Best Practices Summer Standards of Learning Institute at James Madison University.
1993 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, B.S.
