Campolindo High School math and physics teacher Nita Madra was recently awarded the prestigious Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished High School Mathematics Teaching. The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) presents the award in recognition of math teachers who have made a significant contribution to the success of the highest-scoring teams in the annual American Mathematics Contest (AMC 12).
Madra is one of only 23 teachers to receive this honor in 2009. Only teachers from the top 60 highest-scoring AMC 12 teams from the United States, Canada, APO/FPO and U. S. Embassy schools are eligible for nomination. Out of a pool of 4,000 teachers, Madra is thrilled with the recognition. "I feel fortunate to be working at a school where the students are not just motivated to do well, but are also willing to go the extra mile to excel," said Madra.
The Campolindo community shares her enthusiasm. "Nita Madra is an outstanding math and science teacher. She gives selflessly of her time and energy, not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well," said Campolindo principal Carol Kitchens.
The award honors the request of Edyth May Sliffe, a former math teacher in Emeryville, California. Sliffe led many successful teams to the AMC 12. While the students were recognized for their efforts, she realized that the math teachers themselves were lacking recognition for the time and effort they contributed to the success of the team. Sliffe made the award possible by leaving the bulk of her estate to the MAA upon her death.
Madra is one of only 23 teachers to receive this honor in 2009. Only teachers from the top 60 highest-scoring AMC 12 teams from the United States, Canada, APO/FPO and U. S. Embassy schools are eligible for nomination. Out of a pool of 4,000 teachers, Madra is thrilled with the recognition. "I feel fortunate to be working at a school where the students are not just motivated to do well, but are also willing to go the extra mile to excel," said Madra. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA