Ralph Pantozzi
Ralph Pantozzi
Fellowship Placement: Library of Congress
Hometown: Millington, NJ
Ralph Pantozzi has supervised K-12 instruction and taught mathematics in New Jersey public and private schools for 32 years. He has taught 6th grade math through Calculus BC and Mathematical Research. Most recently Ralph served as teacher and department chair at the K-12 all-girls Kent Place School in Summit, New Jersey. There he developed curriculum, instruction, and assessments coupled with physical and virtual learning resources to support girls’ engagement and long-term success with mathematics. As part of his work, he designed and maintained a learning space called the “Math Studio”. In a room full of books, games, puzzles, art and math, students socialize, communicate, and create mathematical ideas through exploration, play, and research.
As an active member of multiple educational organizations, Ralph has made over 50 presentations to state, regional and national audiences, and conducted day and week-long workshops for teachers. His speaking topics and advocacy work promote multiple pathways for students to connect with each other, math, their own interests and identities, and the wider world. Currently Ralph serves as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ representative to the Mathematical Association of America. In this role, he works with policymakers and educators to strengthen collaborations between middle, high school, and college instructors. He has contributed to projects that increase understanding and implementation of instructional practices that support a diverse array of students.
In 1999, Ralph was awarded the Princeton University Prize for Secondary Teaching in the State of New Jersey for his work with students. Ralph taught preservice teachers for a decade and earned an Ed.D in Mathematics Education in 2009. Students around the world have participated in the “Random Walk” probability activity which Ralph created. For this lesson he was awarded the Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Mathematics Teaching by the National Museum of Mathematics. Ralph continues to work with the Museum to make math more accessible to teachers, students and families.
In 2017, Ralph was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. His book, Exploring Calculus with the Geometer’s Sketchpad, and his Science Friday lesson, “How Often Do 100-Year Floods Actually Occur?” are examples of the kind of interactive, curiosity-building lessons Ralph has created over the years. A lifelong New Jersey resident, he lives in Millington, New Jersey.
