Annie Smith, a Kindergarten to Grade 4 Math Coach in Region 15 schools, has been named the recipient of the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut (ATOMIC) Mari Muri Award, presented at the ATOMIC Business Meeting held during the annual conference on March 20th, 2023. 

This prestigious award is given to a recipient who reflects the essence of Mari Muri, exhibiting outstanding commitment and successful service to the entire mathematics community in Connecticut.  

During the awards presentation it was shared that Mrs. Smith is a passionate supporter of mathematics for all students. She has worked tirelessly with teachers and students on ensuring that all students have access to grade level tasks. She’s an innovator when it comes to the teaching of mathematics, not only does she coach teachers in a caring, exciting and innovative way, but also works with administrators. Equity and inclusion are central to her work, and she's a member of the district Equity and Inclusion Council as well as the American Associaion of School Administrators (AASA) Equity in Action cohort. She shares her expertise and her passion beyond her school district and has presented at conferences at the state, national and international levels. She also impacts future educators teaching adult education classes and teaching for the Teacher in Residency program.

Dr. Carrie Chiappetta, Region 15 Superintendent shared that, “Annie is always thinking of ways to connect math to daily life; and she helps teachers, students and administrators alike see the excitement and importance of mathematics. Annie has embraced her role as math coach to such an extent that her name in our district is now synonymous with mathematics.” 

“It is exciting to receive this award! It recognizes the wonderful staff that I work with who integrate mathematics across their classrooms, and it recognizes our hard-working students who apply mathematical reasoning everywhere!,” said Mrs. Smith.

The ATOMIC Mission is to ensure that every Connecticut student receives world-class education in mathematics by providing vision, leadership and support to the K-16 mathematics community and by providing every teacher of mathematics the opportunity to grow professionally.

The recipient of the Mari Muri award must exemplify some of the characteristics that Mari Muri has demonstrated for many years as a life-long mathematics educator in the following roles:

• Passionate supporter of ensuring that every child succeed in mathematics

• Innovator in the world of mathematics education

• Author of several books providing activities for elementary school students

• Curriculum Specialist for the Connecticut State Department of Education

• Member of the NCTM Board of Directors

• Consultant for PIMMS

Picture L-R: Stacie Broden, Region 15 Math Coach Grades K-4, Annie Smith, recipient of the prestigious Mari Muri Award from the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut, Chris Walsh, Academic Chair Math and Science, Grades 6-12, and Dr. Carrie Chiappetta, Assistant Superintendent Region 15 Schools.