Debby Ward is the Coordinator of Mathematics at the Maryland State Department of Education. She is responsible for the coordination of all activities of the Office of Mathematics for Kindergarten through High School. Debby spent most of her career with Anne Arundel County Public schools where she taught everything from 6th grade math through BC Calculus, served as a Department Chairman and a Secondary Mathematics Specialist. In recent years, Debby has worked at MSDE as an Education Specialist. As an Education Specialist for MSDE, Debby worked extensively on initiatives directed towards helping Maryland Mathematics teachers build an understanding of the Common Core Mathematics curriculum. Most recently, Debby worked as a Mathematics Instructional Support teacher for Howard County Public Schools. Currently, Debby is also member of the PARCC Operational Working Group. This group provides feedback on all phases of the development of the PARCC Mathematics Assessments.
Jen Hilberg is the elementary mathematics specialist at MSDE. She facilitates the development of the MCAP Mathematics Assessments for K-5 mathematics. Ms. Hilberg also develops and facilitates a variety of professional learning opportunities to improve the teaching and learning of elementary mathematics aligned to the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. She works collaboratively with other MSDE divisions to support programs, projects and initiatives related to elementary mathematics. Ms. Hilberg is involved in the recruitment of teachers for the PAEMST award and recognition.
Prior to coming to work for MSDE, Ms. Hilberg was an elementary classroom teacher in Baltimore County before becoming an elementary mathematics resource teacher. As a resource teacher in BCPS Office of Mathematics, she developed curriculum and provided professional learning to the district. She also worked directly with schools as an instructional coach.
Nina Riggs is the secondary mathematics specialist with MSDE. She currently works with the instructional leaders and teachers across Maryland to build effective mathematics education for all students. Ms. Riggs works across curricular offices in MSDE to build a cohesive STEM program for the state. She participates in professional development workshops to strengthen the capacity of Maryland educators, and to help build programs aligned the Maryland College and Career Ready standards. Ms. Riggs is involved in the recruitment of teachers for the PAEMST award and recognition. She also has been part of the development of the Maryland Bridge Projects to ensure academic excellence and achievement across Maryland.
Ms. Riggs joins MSDE after serving Baltimore County Public Schools for 21 years. She was a secondary mathematics teacher for 13 years, and was a secondary mathematics resource teacher for 8 years. Her work as a resource teacher involved curriculum and professional development for BCPS. Ms. Riggs has also been involved with various educational projects with Maryland Public Television and the Calvert School.
