Dr. Michelle (Reeb) Homp '91 receives Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics Distinguished Service award

by Hope Nelson

Seward, NE (11/14/2024) — Dr. Michelle (Reeb) Homp '91 was recently honored with the Don W. Miller Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics. Homp is a professor of mathematics at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses focusing primarily on mathematics concepts for future teachers.

Established in 1989, the Don W. Miller Distinguished Service Award annually recognizes a selected educator who teaches mathematics in the state of Nebraska. Its purpose is to honor educators who contribute to the overall improvement of Nebraska mathematics education. Candidates for the award must demonstrate outstanding teaching and leadership ability, be involved in the development of new mathematics teaching strategies and be active members of the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics.

Homp is a primary contributor to the curriculum of UNL's online Master of Arts for Teachers of Mathematics (MAT) degree. Many of the graduate-level courses she teaches or develops are meant to provide math instructors with a deeper understanding of the principles behind the subjects they're teaching.

"Since it's always important for a teacher's knowledge to extend beyond what they teach to their students," Homp said, "the goal of these MAT courses is to strengthen both pedagogical and mathematical knowledge by emphasizing connections between advanced mathematical topics and the topics they teach in their own secondary classrooms."

She also said that the program helps to build teachers' confidence in what they're teaching.

"We implement active learning methods with the teachers and discuss multiple solution strategies so teachers can feel confident utilizing them in their own classrooms," Homp said.

Homp graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska in 1991 with a degree in secondary mathematics education. She later earned her Ph.D. in applied mathematics from UNL. She believes in the importance of mathematics education for all students.

"Math education is crucial for many future job opportunities - not just those in STEM - because it develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in everyday life. Math can be used to understand and interpret data, make informed decisions and approach complex situations logically. It also encourages resilience, as students learn to tackle challenges through practice and perseverance," she said.

Homp loves math, but she also loves teaching - which is why she's so involved in making sure the Master of Arts in Teaching program at UNL is active and engaging.

"Knowing that you are making a difference in students' lives, and interacting with some truly amazing teachers [is the best part of teaching]," she said. "K-12 teachers are some of the most selfless people I know."

As for her teaching career, Homp looks to her faith to guide her. She says that, although she's teaching at a public university, she still seeks to shine Christ's light to her students every day.

"Concordia's faith-centered environment profoundly impacted me," she said, "showing me how closely the pursuit of a vocation is tied to a life of faith. Although I now serve in a public university setting, there is no question that God has placed me here with purpose. I may adopt a more subtle approach than faculty at faith-based institutions, but I am still able to live out my faith, encourage some students in theirs, and serve as a source of Christ's love for those who may need it most."

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