NW Missouri Times

A student from Northwest Missouri State University, Emily Farris, was recognized as an Outstanding Pre-service Teacher by the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). The award was presented at the MCTM conference in December. Farris, a junior majoring in elementary education from O’Fallon, Missouri, received this honor following her nomination by faculty members including Brian Swink, a senior instructor of mathematics and statistics.

Farris's presentation at the conference was titled “We’re not Playing Around! Games can Grow Mathematical Thinking!” She co-presented with Swink and played a role in increasing attendance among Northwest students. Her work emphasizes using games to enhance mathematical thinking, which she discovered during her first conference attendance in 2023.

Reflecting on her nomination, Farris stated: “I feel like just getting nominated by a professor on campus made me feel seen. I’m just seeing that the work I’ve done with Mr. Swink does make a difference.”

Farris also secured an $800 undergraduate research grant from Northwest’s College of Arts and Sciences to support her presentation and participation at the conference. The grant is aimed at educational resources such as board and card games for future math courses at Northwest.

Swink commented on Farris's dedication: “The games she’d played during my office hours or methods classes weren’t just for fun. These games had improved her number sense.”

Her research focuses on how games reinforce mathematical skills and align with Missouri Learning Standards. Since presenting in December, she has been gathering feedback from attendees to further understand the impact of games on classroom practices.

“I just have so many new ways I can teach mathematics in the future,” said Farris regarding her teaching prospects.

Beyond academics, Farris is involved with various organizations including being a student member of MCTM and serving as treasurer for Northwest’s chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Swink praised her commitment: “Emily shows amazing dedication to her studies and is not afraid to visit instructor office hours to learn at a deeper level."