Virginia Saathoff, math teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Minot, co-developed a program for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders called "Specialized Thematic Instruction." The curriculum was centered each year around four basic themes and classrooms were transformed into specialized theme-based learning centers. This approach resulted in improved student learning and higher test scores. Mrs. Saathoff created a Math Club for fifth-graders, through which students ran a school store and visited businesses in the community to learn how math is used in various jobs. A frequent presenter at math education workshops, Mrs. Saathoff also served on North Dakota Mathematics Curriculum Team.
1981 Minot State University, B.A.
