About The Max Sobel Award:

Each year the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey, AMTNJ, presents the prestigious Max Sobel Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership in Mathematics Education. The Award is named after the first person to receive an AMTNJ Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership in Mathematics Education, Dr. Max Sobel.

During the course of his 50-year career, Max served the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NCTM,  as president from 1980 to 1982 and as a member of the Board of Directors. He contributed to the work of numerous other mathematics organizations, including the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (as president), the Mathematical Association of America (as chair of the New Jersey section), the National Science Foundation, and the Educational Testing Service.

Current Winner:

It is our great honor and joy to present this year’s Max Sobel Award to someone who embodies everything this recognition stands for—excellence, dedication, leadership, and heart—Dr. Mark Russo.

Mark is, first and foremost, a learner. He has earned a bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, and a doctorate—which already tells you something about his curiosity and commitment to growth. But beyond the degrees, Mark is a prolific reader and thinker, someone who is always open to new ideas and just as eager to talk about them. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Mark, you know that he’s genuinely interested in exploring possibilities, not just giving answers.

And he doesn’t keep that learning to himself. Mark is a generous sharer of knowledge. He has presented over 30 workshops, seven of which include Catalyzing Change in the title—an indication of how deeply he engages with NCTM’s call to action. His sessions often focus on equity in the math classroom and the importance of asset-based language, reminding us all to see the brilliance in every student. He has also designed specialized workshops for teachers in special education math classrooms and for new teachers, ensuring that everyone in our profession has the support they need to succeed.

Mark’s impact extends beyond the workshop room. He has authored eight peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, most recently contributing to Teaching for Social Justice through Critical Math Inquiry. His work challenges us to think critically about what we teach and why—to ensure that math education truly empowers students.

But Mark’s service goes far beyond scholarship. He has given his time and leadership to countless committees, including state-level groups, the Bergen County Math Think Tank, NCTM, and of course, AMTNJ—where he has served in many roles, including President, guiding the organization through some particularly difficult transitions with grace and steadiness.

And that brings us to what might be the most remarkable thing about Mark, his kindness. He sees the positive in everyone, and he leads not through volume or force, but through quiet strength and unwavering integrity. He exemplifies what strong, calm leadership looks like. During times when AMTNJ needed healing, Mark was a peacemaker. When the organization needed to grow, he worked to welcome new members, from college students to educators in schools that hadn’t previously connected with AMTNJ.

Mark doesn’t just talk about equity, inclusion, and collaboration—he lives those values every day.

So today, as we honor him with the Max Sobel Award, we celebrate not only his incredible accomplishments, but the spirit of service, learning, and humanity that he brings to everything he does.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Max Sobel Award recipient, Dr. Mark Russo!