It’s not just the complexity of mathematics itself that Joan Routledge feels compelled to tackle, but also the challenge of opening minds to the pursuit of mathematics.
Joan speaks proudly of those triumphs: watching students become excited by something in mathematics, or finally understanding a difficult concept. Similarly, she has enjoyed coaxing “math-phobic” teachers into an appreciation of mathematics that will ultimately help students. That leadership is evident through Joan’s career.
She was born and raised in Toronto, and attended Queen’s University. Joan taught at Brandy Lake P.S. in Muskoka and at Whitney P.S. in Toronto, before becoming a mathematics supervisor and consultant for school boards in Richmond Hill and York Region. Along the way she also co-authored two series of textbooks.
Joan has long been active in associations of mathematics professionals, notably as president of O.A.M.E.
Beyond mathematics, Joan is enthusiastic about genealogy and loves the cottage life her family enjoys at their island in Parry Sound.