Lachanda Garrison

Lachanda Garrison was a second-grade teacher for two years at Bahrain Elementary School (BES) in Manama, Bahrain, before becoming their mathematics interventionist this past year. Before BES, she taught at Rota Elementary School in Spain for 10 years. Her 15 years as an educator include 12 years as a classroom teacher and as an instructional coach in both elementary mathematics and literacy. Garrison was the 2021 State Teacher of the Year for DoDEA.

Garrison believes weaving her students' stories and identities into lessons is the best instructional tool, ensuring all students receive an equitable education. She meets students' needs by being trauma-informed, resilience-focused, and culturally responsive so students can learn and thrive both inside and outside of the classroom. Because of these beliefs, she fosters learning spaces where her students advocate for their learning, celebrate one another's differences and cultures, and empathize with those around them.

"I am deeply humbled and excited to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)," said Garrison. This award is special to me because it showcased how my students' stories, funds of knowledge, cultures, and backgrounds are powerful tools in making mathematics equitable and accessible for them. The fact that the PAEMST honored that brings me so much joy as we move towards humanizing mathematics instruction for our students".

Garrison has an A.A. in computer studies and a B.S. in information systems management from the University of Maryland University College; an M.Ed. in instructional technology from Troy University; and an M.A. in mathematics teaching from Mount Holyoke College. She is a certified elementary school, middle school mathematics, and secondary business teacher. She is also a certified educational technologist.