Yorba Linda Middle school teacher receives distinguished teacher award from Mathematical Association of America

Math teacher William Lin at Yorba Linda Middle School has been awarded the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Teaching by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). He is one of just 20 teachers across the nation to receive the same distinction.

According to the organization, the Sliffe Award is made possible by a gift from the late Edyth May Sliffe, a high school teacher who believed in the educational value of MAA’s American Mathematics Competition (AMC). It was her wish that each year twenty public school teachers be recognized for their work in stimulating student enjoyment for, and engagement in, mathematics by fostering participation in the AMC competition. The first set of awards was given in 1989.

Fifteen of Mr. Lin’s students competed and excelled in the AMC earlier this year. With his help, the students practiced before school on multiple mornings to get ready for this math competition.

As a part of the award, Mr. Lin will receive free travel and registration to MAA’s MathFest 2023 in Tampa, Florida in August. He will be recognized at a special reception at the event.

The Edyth May Sliffee Award Committee Chair shared the following with Mr. Lin: “Thank you for helping students find the joy, awe, and wonder that is innate in the beautiful art of mathematics. Your dedication to your students’ mathematical growth is a gift to the world.”