Martha Du Preez

Fall 2025 Winner

Martha du Preez approaches mathematics instruction with the foundational belief that an active, upbeat environment and clear, supportive guidance can empower any student to build confidence and excel in math. Recognizing that many students enter her classroom intimidated by previous struggles or believing they simply "can't do math," she structures her courses to foster active engagement and intellectual safety. Rather than relying on passive lectures, she frequently acts as a scribe to test student-generated problem-solving strategies on the board. A central pillar of her pedagogy is error analysis—she normalizes mistakes, explores why certain strategies fail, and openly embraces her own occasional arithmetic errors to demonstrate that trial and error are natural parts of the learning process. Furthermore, as a former non-traditional student, she values each learner as an individual, learning their names early, mentoring first-generation students, and utilizing one-on-one office hours to diagnose gaps in understanding. Mentor Dr. Amy Goodman comments, ""What most defines Martha’s teaching is the experience she creates for her students. From the moment class begins, students know they are welcome, valued, and safe to engage... Her students are not simply being taught mathematics. They are being seen, supported, and encouraged as learners and as people.""

To continuously refine her instructional skills, Du Preez has actively engaged in comprehensive pedagogical coursework and faculty mentorship throughout her graduate career. Her formal training includes graduate coursework in Teaching Mathematics with Dr. Grigsby (focusing on class management, lesson planning, rubrics, and faculty observations) and Teaching Mathematics Practicum with Dr. Goodman (focusing on instructional style and exam evaluation). In addition, she has collaborated with multiple official teaching mentors—including Dr. Fischbacher and Dr. Ryden—to conduct classroom observations, approve mid-semester assessments, and analyze student feedback surveys. She also regularly consults with informal mentors, such as Dr. Simanek, Dr. Grigsby, and Dr. Goodman, seeking guidance on grading fairness, classroom technology integration, active learning strategies, and supporting struggling students.

What Students Say

I have struggled with math for most of my life. It often felt abstract, disconnected, and, at times, simply overwhelming... Under her instruction, math became relevant, engaging, and even satisfying at times. Concepts that once seemed distant and impractical were grounded in real application, and for the first time, I found myself genuinely interested in the material.