Upper School Math Teacher Receives National Award

Upper School math instructor Michael Allwood has been honored as a recipient of the 2024 Edyth May Sliffe Awards for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School and High School — awarded by the Mathematical Association of America. 

The Awards are given annually to middle and high school mathematics teachers who have done outstanding work to motivate students in mathematics by participating in one of the MAA American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) competitions. There are less than 25 winners nationwide.

Allwood, who has been teaching at Brunswick since 1997 and has served as chair of the department during his tenure, was nominated by the school’s current mathematics chair, Richard Dobbins.

“A truly phenomenal teacher, a master of curriculum development, and an experienced math team coach, Michael has overseen the development of an increasing number of accomplished mathematical problem solvers at Brunswick School,” Dobbins said.

“Additionally, Michael has made very significant contributions to the competitive math landscape throughout the state of Connecticut, where he remains heavily involved in the administration of the Fairfield County Math League and leads the Connecticut ARML Team. 

“Thanks to his tireless efforts over the past couple decades, hundreds of Brunswick students have been introduced to and learned to embrace the delightful challenge of the AMC exams, and an increasing number of these young men have gone on to study mathematics in college, often in our leading universities.”

Head of School Tom Philip added, “All of us at Brunswick cannot emphasize strongly enough how worthy Michael Allwood is of receiving this award. He has shared his passion of mathematics with so many of our students and devoted so much time, energy, and care to them and Brunswick over the many, many years he has been a part of our community.”