My Vision

Educators are innovators.

 
 

Whenever I tell people I teach mathematics, they look at me like I have five heads and then proceed by telling me “they were never good at math” or “oh, I never liked math.” Why do we feel compelled to share our negative experiences? Because too many of us have had them and they have left deep scars! My goal is to provide ALL students with positive experiences in mathematics classes at every grade level so that this narrative becomes extinct. I love helping others seeing the beauty in mathematics and develop their own understanding.

 

I teach mathematics courses, pedagogy courses for both elementary and secondary teachers of mathematics, and technology integration courses. My current research interests revolve around investigating teachers’ learning and learning to teach using equity-based teaching practices, including the eight teaching practices recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Because teaching requires a very specialized content knowledge, just knowing the mathematics is not enough to teach it in ways that provide positive learning experiences for all students.

Barbara Ann Swartz, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, West Chester UniversityAssociate Professor, McDaniel College

Barbara Ann Swartz, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, West Chester University

Associate Professor, McDaniel College