ICTM CollegeScholarships

The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics will be presenting its annual Scholarships in Mathematics Education in October of each year.  ICTM has been awarding Scholarships to college students since 1989.  You can see a list of past winners here. See our current winners at the bottom of this page!

There will be up to three scholarships granted of $1,500 to help defray educational expenses of the recipients. Awardees also get a free 1-year ICTM membership, free registration to the annual ICTM conference, and an ICTM board mentor. You can help ensure that these scholarships are available for future generations by donating to the scholarship fund.

To be eligible for the 2024-2025 scholarship, a student must:

  1. Be enrolled as a junior or senior in an accredited university or college in Illinois during Spring 2025 with a graduation date of May 2025 or later.
  2. Be working on their first bachelor’s degree with an intent to teach in Illinois upon graduation.
  3. Be a mathematics education major, a mathematics major with an education minor, an early childhood major, or an elementary education major.
  4. Have a total overall GPA of at least 3.00 from all colleges attended (based on 4.00).
  5. Submit digital copies of the following through the ICTM Scholarship Submission Portal:
    1. A completed ICTM scholarship application form that includes:
      1. Applicant information
      2. Two 200-300 word essays
      3. A complete lesson planning form
    2. Transcripts from ALL COLLEGES ATTENDED.
    3. Letters of recommendation from two mathematics or mathematics methods teachers, high school or college. These letters must state the capacity in which the writer knew the applicant and address their potential as a mathematics teacher.
    4. Some verification of the applicant's enrollment in a teacher education program (e.g. letter from advisor, copy of registration materials, notation on transcript etc.)

Applications will be scored by a committee of readers using the following evaluation rubric:

  • Application information = 5 points (completeness, GPA, clarity)
  • Activities = 10 points (how strongly are the work/leadership/extracurricular activities from your college years connected to mathematics and/or teaching?)
  • Essay #1 = 10 points (writing quality, anticipated contribution to teaching mathematics, enthusiasm for teaching and mathematics)
  • Essay #2 = 10 points (writing quality, degree to which the question is answered, quality of the answer to the prompt)
  •  Lesson Planning Form = 15 points (clarity and appropriateness of objectives/goals, level of student engagement opportunities, methods of evaluating student understanding, clarity of flow of lesson which includes introduction and closure)

 Applications are due by May 8, 2025. 

You may download and complete the 2024-2025 fillable PDF version of the application here.  Completed applications need to be submitted by May 8, 2025.  Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Ms. Shelly Murphy at [email protected]. Once you've gathered all of the materials listed in item 5 above, submit your documents in our online portal.

 

The 2024 Scholarship Awardees:

 

 

 

Xiang Serrano - University of Illinois Chicago

Xiang has always had a passion for mathematics and teaching, which led her to start as a substitute teacher during the pandemic. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2024 from the University of Illinois Chicago Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Math Teaching and was also an active member of Women in Computer Science. Xiang had the privilege of student teaching at Disney II Magnet High School, where she taught AP Pre-Calculus and Algebra II and assisted with math intervention. Recognizing the importance of inclusive education, Xiang is now pursuing a master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with plans to graduate in summer 2025.

Students think of Xiang as empathetic, not only fun and engaging but also deeply invested in understanding and supporting their unique needs. They appreciate her ability to make challenging concepts accessible and her commitment to their success. Teachers describe her as compassionate, an excellent collaborator, and dedicated to fostering student growth. She is known for her strong subject knowledge, skill in designing and providing differentiated instruction, and adaptability in diverse classroom environments.

Xiang is eager to bring her enthusiasm for education to future students, aiming to nurture both proficiency and a genuine passion for learning. Outside of the classroom, Xiang is an active community volunteer, dedicated to making a positive impact wherever she goes.

 

Aaron Moehrlin - Northern Illinois University

Aaron Moehrlin, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, currently teaches at Central High School in Burlington, IL. His passion for education began early, starting with tutoring and mentoring, and growing into roles such as Supplemental Instructor at NIU, substitute teacher in Rockford-area schools, and assistant Cross Country coach at Marengo High School. Prior to joining Centra, he completed his student teaching at Hononegah Community High School.

Outside the classroom, Aaron enjoys the outdoors—whether running, kayaking, managing a strawberry field, or exploring new places. He attributes his passion for teaching and mathematics to the exceptional mentors, colleagues, and students he’s been fortunate to work with along the way.