Dr. Pam Schram
Appalachian State University
Dr. Pam Schram came to Appalachian in 1996 as an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She earned her PhD from Michigan State University in 1992, having previously taught for ten years at the middle school level. The scope of her teaching responsibilities has spanned over 35 years, from co-teaching first grade to teaching doctoral courses.
Dr. Schram establishes an engaging and respectful learner-centered community and models professional practices. Her content knowledge, problem solving abilities, sensitivity, work ethic, and enthusiasm for teaching are inspirational to students and colleagues. Throughout her career, she has received numerous teaching, mentoring, and advising awards.
Dr. Schram has been sharing her expertise and passion for teaching mathematics to future teachers for over 25 years. As her students teach other students, her influence grows exponentially and is evidenced by these responses of former students:
Not only is she a true professional, but Dr. Schram is such a people-oriented person that you cannot meet her without being forever changed. Her positive outlook on life and the importance of education is infectious.
I left her classroom not only with more understanding and knowledge in math, but also with a personal connection that continues to grow.
Several of Dr. Schram's students have pursued graduate degrees. One student who went on to earn a PhD stated, I still feel the influence of Dr. Schram. . .I teach a math methods course that I model after what I learned from Dr. Schram. But beyond her influence on that specific course, I model my character after Dr. Schram. She is the type of professor that I aspire to be. One who knows her subject matter but also knows her students.
Dr. Schram has collaborated with classroom teachers, colleagues at Appalachian and across the nation. Dr. Schram's colleagues often describe instances where her insights and guidance have pushed them to become better teachers and faculty members.
Dr. Schram has mentored several junior faculty. As one faculty member states, "I am poised for promotion to full professor, and yet I still consider Pam my mentor. . .Her influence in my life reaches my students each time I teach."
Dr. Schram's commitment to education is evident through her leadership and service. She was chairperson for one of Appalachian's strategic planning committees. She served as a member of Appalachian's Institutional Review Board. She chaired one of North Carolina's mathematics conferences and chaired a major committee for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Dr. Schram is also an accomplished scholar in mathematics education. She is particularly interested in teacher candidates' understanding of the mathematics that they teach and the role of the language arts in learning mathematics. She has received grants for an array of projects, made numerous national and state presentations, and has published in a variety of educational journals.
Dr. Schram continues to be enthusiastic and highly committed to her students, her colleagues, and her work. Her love of teaching began at an early age and seems to be never ending.