National Organization President Addresses Governor's Institute

The president-elect of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics addressed primary- and secondary-school instructors on Monday at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Francis "Skip" Fennell was the keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania Governor's Institute for Mathematics Educators, which will continue on campus through Friday.

Fennell, a professor of education at McDaniel College in Maryland, talked to teachers attending the institute about his concerns and goals for mathematics education − including simplifying curriculum, supporting teachers and making students the top priority.

NCTM is the world's largest mathematics education organization, with 100,000 members and 250 affiliates throughout the United States and Canada. Fennell will begin his two-year term as president in April.

Fennel began his career in 1966 in the Williamsport Area School District, where he worked as a supervisor, principal and classroom teacher until 1976, when he began teaching at McDaniel College, formerly Western Maryland College.

Fennel has held leadership roles for the National Science Foundation, the Mathematical Sciences Education Board, ExxonMobil Elementary Mathematics Leadership Project and LINKAGES Project, the Numbers Alive Project, and the Number Sense Now Project.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University. He has received several teaching and leadership awards.