Innovator Award
The purpose of the NCCTM Innovator Award is to recognize and reward individuals and/or groups who have made an outstanding and noteworthy contribution to mathematics education and/or NCCTM.
Nomination Instructions and Form (PDF)
Questions? Contact Ana Floyd, Asheboro City Schools [afloyd@asheboro.k12.nc.us].
2025 Recipient
Madelyn Colonnese
Madelyn Colonnese has demonstrated extraordinary dedication through multiple innovative projects that have positively impacted students, teachers, and future educators. Her work is grounded in service and collaboration to ensure high-quality mathematics learning experiences for elementary school students and future teachers. For over five years, she has generously volunteered her time to provide professional learning and coaching at UNC Charlotte’s laboratory school, Niner University Elementary School, and other partner schools. She has built deep, trusting relationships with teachers, attending weekly professional learning communities, offering on-site coaching, and modeling research based practices in classrooms. Her support has directly improved mathematics instruction and student learning.
In addition, Madelyn serves as the co-director of a summer camp for rising elementary students. Notably, she created a “Summer Math Conference” during the summer camp where students proudly showcased their mathematical writing and received feedback from peers. She has also transformed how UNC Charlotte prepares future teachers. Through the innovative NUE Cohort program, teacher candidates gain meaningful, standards-based teaching experience, supported by thoughtful coaching and mentorship.
Beyond the university, Dr. Colonnese organizes and facilitates ongoing professional learning and networking sessions for elementary mathematics leaders across North Carolina. These virtual gatherings foster collaboration and innovation by bringing together district leaders from a wide range of school districts to share best practices, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions to improve math instruction statewide.
The Math Summit
In a time when mathematics educators are searching for spaces that inspire collaboration, reflection, and renewal, the Math Summit has become a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and passion. For nearly a decade, the Math Summit has been a free, annual professional learning event for K–12 math teachers—hosted by NC State University’s College of Education in partnership with the Triangle Math Alliance. Each year, this gathering brings together more than 500 educators from across 55 North Carolina districts for a full day of high-quality professional learning focused on equity, instructional leadership, and access to meaningful mathematics for all students.
The Math Summit’s impact reaches far beyond its numbers. Across more than 40 in-person and virtual sessions each year, educators engage in meaningful conversations about teaching and learning—whether facilitating rich mathematical tasks, supporting multilingual learners, or elevating discourse in the classroom. These experiences not only strengthen individual practice but often spark ideas that shape district and regional initiatives. The Math Summit cultivates community – teachers return each year for the sense of shared purpose and belonging.
Previous Recipients
2024 Hollylynne Lee & Karen Hollebrands from NC State University, Allison McCulloch from UNC Charlotte & Charity Cayton from East Carolina University- Preparing to Teach Mathematics with Technology Project (PTMT)
2023 Dr. Joshua Griffin and Project Math Success
2022 Dawne Coker
2019 Nathan Borchelt and Sloan Despeaux- Math Teachers' Circles Project
2018 Denise Johnson; NC Collaborative for Mathematics Learning
2017 Ellen Hilgoe
2016 Eric and Kimberly Marland
2015 The Burroughs-Wellcome Fund
2014 Drew Polly; NC Component of the American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
2013 Sid Rachlin; Editors of The Centroid
2012 Math Celebrations (Logo Contest)
2011 NC School of Science and Mathematics
2010 Vincent Snipes
2009 Archie Benton
2009 Charlotte Mathematics Club
2008 Bampia Bangura
2008 Professional Engineers of NC
2007 Susan Friel
2007 State Math Fair Committee
2006 Lothar Dohse
2006 State Mathematics Contest Committee
2005 Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
2005 Gail Stafford
2004 Jeane Joyner
2003 Becky McLawhorn
2002 Betty Long
2001 W. Earl Mitchell, Jr
2000 Tom Blackburn and Virginia Hawn
1999 Clifford Z. Adams
1998 Harold Williford
1997 Harold B. Reiter
1996 Jerry Taylor
1995 John Goebel
1994 Ralph Willis