Buffy Cushman-Patz
National Science Foundation
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Hawaii – Grades 7-12, Math and Science
Buffy Cushman-Patz has taught science and math at La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls for the last five years. Buffy has a B.S. in Geology from the University of Florida, and an M.S. in Geology from the University of Hawaii. The daughter of a 30-year veteran teacher, Buffy’s teaching career began as a Teaching Assistant in the Geology Department at the University of Hawaii, teaching undergraduate geology lab courses. She found that her passion for teaching was even greater than her enjoyment of research science, so after finishing her Master’s degree, she looked for teaching jobs. Buffy’s teaching jobs have included teaching Algebra I at Kaimuki High school, teaching 3rd-12th grade science at a Hawaiian-based public charter school, and working as an Assistant Scientist on a sailing school vessel with the Sea Education Association. In 2005 she settled in at La Pietra as their Physics and Chemistry teacher; also teaching courses in 7th grade math, Algebra I, and Geology.
Buffy is compelled to share her love of math and her understanding of scientific research. She recently spent five weeks blogging as a Teacher At Sea from a geologic research cruise along the Galapagos Spreading Center using the Alvin submersible. During this ‘GRUVEE’ cruise (Galapagos Ridge Undersea Volcanic Eruptions Expedition), Buffy communicated with students at La Pietra and in classrooms around the country about the daily goings-on from the scientific research vessel. She even initiated a ‘Call to the Deep’ with students at La Pietra while she was over a mile deep in the Alvin.
This summer, Buffy will work with a group of Hawaii-based math and science teachers to lead teacher-to-teacher workshops in South Africa with the Teachers Without Borders program. In 2008, Buffy spent a month with TWB-SA as a science workshop leader; this summer she is thrilled to help lead workshops for middle school math teachers.
Buffy thrives on helping others learn to love math as much as she does, particularly those who think they’re bad at it. She constantly seeks curricula and teaching methods that help students learn best. Her classroom is dynamic and student-centered; she works to serve only as the facilitator in a community of learners, helping guide their conversations towards consensus and consistency. Her first-hand experience with the scientific process guides her math teaching; and mathematical reasoning skills guide her science teaching.
Though she enjoys working with all students, Buffy is most passionate about helping girls gain confidence to be leaders in math and science. She relishes the opportunity to serve as a role model to her female students.