Title: Professor
Company: Hunter College
Location: South Orange, New Jersey, United States
Frank Gardella, professor at Hunter College, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in academia.
Dedicating six decades to academia, Dr. Gardella has established a distinguished career as an educator with a focus on mathematics. He currently excels as a professor at Hunter College, a role he has held since 2024, previously serving as an associate professor at the same institution from 1994 to 2024. In this role, he teaches graduate courses and is an advisor to three programs that involve approximately 60 students. Additionally, he writes books on the study of mathematics and devotes his time to developing academic programs at the college, having created and implemented two successful programs thus far. Additionally, he served as a Mathematics Consultant for the Woodrow Wilson Early College Initiative from 2007 to 2010, and a supervisor of mathematics, K-12, at East Brunswick Public Schools from 1978 to 1994. In light of his impressive undertakings, he was admitted to the Mathematics Education Hall of Fame by the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching from Hunter College, and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education Alumni Association.
Laying a solid foundation for his future success, Dr. Gardella pursued an education at Fordham University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, followed by a Master of Arts in education and Mathematics from Lehigh University, a Master of Arts in mathematics from Brooklyn College at the City University of New York, and a PhD in mathematics education from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Additionally, he has maintained memberships with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State, the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey, the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, the Mathematical Association of America, the Association of Teachers of Mathematics of New York City, and the Fordham Club of Fordham College. He is also a past board member of the Parish School Council, East Brunswick, the Past Finance Council, the Condominium Association, and chairman of the university glee club at Fordham University.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Gardella’s passion for teaching and mathematics was ignited at a young age. His love for helping students overcome challenges in mathematics inspired him to become a teacher and develop innovative teaching methods. Observing students struggling with traditional approaches, he recognized the need for change. He emphasizes the importance of using physical models to teach mathematical concepts rather than starting with abstract ideas and technical vocabulary, which led him to create “The M4 Model.” The M4 Model involves four steps: kinesthetic modeling, discussion using social language, the introduction of technical language, and integration into traditional schooling methods. He attributes his success to his early experience teaching junior high and middle school. Looking to the future, his primary goal is to expand the elementary mathematics special program at Hunter College. Additionally, he plans to build on his M4 Model and increase his focus on writing. He also hopes to encourage his students to write and publish articles.
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