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Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

Better Today Than Yesterday, Better Tomorrow Than Today

October 20, 2026

BHS Math Teacher Honored by OCTM as Emerging Leader

a young woman holds a math award plaque

Bellbrook High School math teacher Macy McMonigle was recently presented with the William Speer Emerging Leader Award from the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

McMonigle was recognized at a conference the weekend of Oct. 8-9, and the award was presented to her by former Teacher of the Year in the state of Ohio, Judy Brown.

 “I student taught under Mrs. Brown at National Trail when I was at Wright State, and she nominated me, and then presented me with the award and said a lot of really nice things about me,” McMonigle said with a blush.

McMonigle said she was nominated by Brown and wrote a paper over the summer to apply for the award.

The William R. Speer Emerging Leader Award is presented to a current mathematics education pre-service teacher or a mathematics educator who has taught for five years or less. McMonigle won the award along with Claire Boston from Deer Park Community Schools.

According to the website, the winner has “demonstrated leadership potential in mathematics education in the state of Ohio through a specific project or involvement in the field.”

McMonigle said the “project” is really just the way she teaches, and credits that in no small part to Brown.

“I wrote about a lesson on fractions,” McMonigle said. “You take a quarter and you take a nickel, and just about anyone can tell you that’s 30 cents. But I don’t let them just give me that answer. They have to make the denominators work first. But that’s how the lesson is. They experience it first and we can formalize it later. It’s a very student-centered approach.”

Each year, the OCTM recognizes outstanding teachers, curriculum leaders/coaches, professors, emerging leaders, contributors to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and friends of mathematics. These individuals inspire students, support colleagues, and strengthen mathematics education across Ohio.

“Obviously, Mrs. Brown was an excellent teacher,” McMonigle said. “She is a lot of the reason why I teach the way I do. It’s very project-based. I learned a lot from her.”