The association recognized Chinn for contributions to mathematics education at all levels. It cited her creation of the “Expanding Your Horizons” conference at HSU to introduce middle grade girls to mathematics, science and engineering, and coach high school students for the Mandelbrot Math Competition. “She has developed courses for prospective and practicing elementary, middle and high school teachers in problem solving, school mathematics from an advanced standpoint, calculus, and graph theory,” the ASW said. Chinn directed two professional development programs for K–12 teachers, the Redwood Area Math Project and the North Coast Mathematics and Science Initiative.
“Perhaps her most influential work,” the AMP added, “was through project PROMPT, which engaged college and university faculty in rethinking the content and pedagogy for prospective elementary and middle school teachers. This project spawned similar projects in Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.”
The Hay Award, which provides a $300 honorarium, will be presented to Chinn in January at ceremonies in San Francisco.