A Tribute to Bob Chaffee

The Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics honored Bob Chaffee with the Bob Chaffee Service Award on Thursday evening, November 5th during its fall conference at Essex High School.   Each year at VCTM’s spring conference starting in 2011, a service award will be given in Bob Chaffee’s name to a deserving member of the mathematics educational community.   It is fitting to celebrate all that Bob has done since this is the 40th anniversary of the Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  Bob Chaffee was instrumental in all aspects of VCTM’s 40 years. 

In 1969 a group of mathematics teachers had a vision for a separate math organization to connect mathematics educator and professional development across the state.  Bob Chaffee had a major hand in that creation and he has been an integral part of VCTM ever since.  For the last 24 years he has been our trusted treasurer. His service to VCTM, including attending board meetings and conferences, creating impeccable reports and budgets and working with members and students to share his love of mathematics is incredible.  Bob has given a special life to the organization.

Although Bob resigned as VCTM Treasurer a year ago, Bob is still waving his magic wand in other endeavors in Vermont.  He has an important role in many educational and community organizations.  Some of his current positions are:   Executive Director of the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition, Administrator of MathNet, Teacher of a Spreadsheet Course to Senior Net of Vermont, Co-Administrator of Advanced Placement Tests at Essex High School, Justice of the Peace in the town of Essex, Treasurer of the Essex Town Democratic Party. In his spare time (What spare time?) he loves to play bridge with his wife, Mary Ann. 

As Vermont native from St. Albans, he graduated from UVM and earned his masters from Stanford in 1963.  Bob was an outstanding teacher. The majority of his career was at South Burlington High School teaching college prep math courses.  In recent years he is especially proud of his tutoring work with Colin Sandon, who as you might recall, was one of six students on the US International Math Team that competed this summer at the 49th Mathematical International Olympiad.

Although the VCTM Board misses Bob’s wisdom and sense of humor at our board meetings, we know that we can always call on him for advice.  The math teachers of Vermont thank him for all his efforts in mathematics education.