Celebrating Excellence in Math Education: Leslie Wetherell and Julie Cucuel Honored with Regional Awards
Educators from North Wasco County School District, Dufur School District and Columbia Gorge Education Service District at Crafting Inquiry Conference earlier this year:
From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:
By Nicole Tolmie
The Dalles, Ore., April 24, 2025 — The Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) has recognized two outstanding educators from our region with the prestigious Regional Math Educator Award, highlighting their exceptional dedication to advancing mathematics instruction and supporting educators throughout the area.
Leslie Wetherell of Arlington School District and Julie Cucuel, Director of the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, were nominated by Keelie Caudill of the North Central Education Service District (NCESD) in Condon.
Leslie Wetherell has been instrumental in transforming the math classroom experience for students in grades 7–12 at Arlington School District. Her commitment to implementing the “Thinking Classrooms” framework has brought a fresh, engaging approach to math instruction in classes ranging from 7th grade through Algebra 2. Leslie’s student-centered mindset and enthusiasm for learning make math both accessible and exciting for her students.
Beyond the classroom, Leslie also contributes to professional growth across the region. She played a key role in leading sessions on Building Thinking Classrooms at the NCESD Fall Regional Professional Learning event and has opened her classroom to other educators for observation and collaboration.
Julie Cucuel, Director for the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, has made a significant impact on math professional learning across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties. Earlier this year, Julie organized a trip for over a dozen regional educators to attend Crafting Inquiry with renowned math experts from Stanford University, Jo Boaler and Cathy Williams.
Julie also spearheaded a virtual Math-ish book study and facilitated Mindset Mathematics workshop sessions for educators teaching grades K-5, creating opportunities for educators to deepen their understanding and instructional practice. Her dedication to supporting educators through ongoing collaboration has made her a pillar of math education in the region. “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but more than anything, I’m proud of the amazing work happening across our region. It’s a privilege to support educators who are so dedicated to making math meaningful and accessible for every student. When we come together to learn, share, and grow, we all move math education forward,” comments Julie Cucuel.
Both Leslie and Julie exemplify what it means to move math education forward. Their innovative leadership and deep commitment to student and educator growth are truly worthy of recognition. Professional learning opportunities for Gorge educators were made possible by the Oregon Mathways Project, funded by the Oregon Department of Education. Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is a Department of the Columbia Gorge Education Service District. To learn more about our region’s STEM Hub, visit: www.gorgestem.org.
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