Cal State Fullerton alumna and special education teacher Suzanne Huerta is committed to empowering her fifth-grade students with disabilities to discover their abilities in learning mathematics.
Huerta teaches students with mild to moderate disabilities at Whitaker Elementary School in Buena Park.
As Whitaker Elementary’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, Huerta uses an instructional method and teaching approach based on understanding how children naturally think and learn mathematics.
“I use cognitively-guided instruction, emphasizing understanding and building upon students’ knowledge and thought processes. Instead of just memorizing procedures, it helps students develop a strong conceptual foundation,” she said.
“This method gives students confidence and encourages them to solve problems that make sense. By understanding each of my student’s thinking and developmental stages, I can tailor their instruction to meet their individual needs.”
Instead of giving students multiplication timed tests, Huerta presents them with the opportunity to explore what it means to multiply and devise their own strategies to solve a math problem.
“For example, students will know that that five times two means five bags with two ears of corn in it,” she said. “I also use word problems where students have a deep understanding of what the problem is asking versus giving them a worksheet full of word problems.”
Award-Winning Math Teacher
For her work in boosting the mathematical capabilities of her young students, defying stereotypes and promoting equity in education, Huerta is the state’s finalist for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is California’s only recipient in the elementary math category.
The award is the highest honor the U.S. government bestows to K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teachers. The National Science Foundation administers the program for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The California Department of Education partners with the California Mathematics Council and the California Association of Science Educators to recruit and select nominees for the award program.
Presidential Award recipients will be honored at a Washington, D.C., ceremony and receive a $10,000 special award from the National Science Foundation.
“This award amplifies the voices and abilities of students with disabilities, which enriches the learning environment for all students and promotes diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving,” said Huerta, who earned a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development in 2006 from CSUF.
The award is given to teachers demonstrating deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable student success.
Huerta was recognized Nov. 9 by the California Mathematics Council, Southern Section, for her national accolade at the organization’s conference in Palm Springs. Huerta also presented a session focusing on the relationships between assessment, artifacts, advocacy, and student access to meaningful mathematics and how these play out for students with disabilities.
A Rewarding Career in Teaching
Huerta was unsure of her career path after high school. At Fullerton College, where she earned an associate degree in liberal arts, she took a course about becoming a teacher.
“I instantly knew this was my future. From that day on, I dedicated all my energy and focus to becoming a teacher,” she said.
Huerta transferred to the university to prepare for a career in teaching. She discovered a sense of belonging and community with peers in the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies.
“I learned so much at Cal State Fullerton — the courses in educational theory provided me with a deep understanding of various teaching methods and learning styles to adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs,” Huerta said.
Through other coursework, she learned how to integrate digital tools into math instruction, create an inclusive classroom environment and observe classrooms in school settings.
“I am forever grateful to CSUF,” she said.
The veteran teacher, who went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Whittier College, finds it rewarding to watch her students grow and become successful in mastering math.
“It’s important that my students feel like they are in a safe place. When they realize they are, they begin to blossom,” she said. “Building relationships and partnerships with families is also important to make a lasting impact on young students’ lives.”