Candidate Statement for the office of Director
from Marta Civil:
Title: Professor
Position: Mathematics Education, Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona
Questions: What experiences with students and colleagues have influenced your commitment to equity and access for the mathematics education of all learners, in particular Hispanic/Latino students? How will this impact your leadership of TODOS if elected?
Marta's Response: Since 1992 I have directed several programs focused on equity and mathematics education, with CEMELA (Center for the Mathematics Education of Latinos/as), being the most notable. I have considerable experience leading projects aimed at improving the mathematics teaching and learning of traditionally underrepresented groups. My approach is based on a rejection of a deficit approach to the teaching and learning of students and instead I advocate for learning from the communities and building on their knowledge and strengths. I believe in a holistic approach to the mathematics education of all students, and this means working with teachers, administrators, parents and children. I bring a wealth experience working with these groups, not only from a research point of view but from a practice stand too. I regularly work in classrooms with teachers and students, as well as facilitate mathematics workshops for parents.
There are three topics that I plan to pursue as part of my leadership in TODOS:
- Strengthening the dialogue between parents and school personnel, particularly in communities where parents have historically been disenfranchised from the schools.
- Looking at the effects of different language policies on the mathematics education of English Language Learners.
- Continuing CEMELA’s mission, which is the development of theory and practice for how to turn language and cultural diversity into educational assets for the mathematics education of all students.
