This fall, Professor of Mathematics Education Dr. Nick Wasserman begins his tenure as the Chair of the Mathematics, Science & Technology Department. Dr. Wasserman has been a professor in the department for twelve years and is a graduate of the Mathematics Education program. As Chair, his responsibilities will range from supporting faculty through the tenure process and liaising between the department and college administration to supporting student life and coordinating course schedules. He sees the role as an opportunity to both advocate for the department and strengthen its presence within the larger Teachers College community.
Dr. Wasserman’s research focuses on teacher education, particularly in the area of secondary teachers’ (advanced) mathematical knowledge and development. He has published in journals such as Mathematical Thinking and Learning and the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education. He is also the co-author of books such as Understanding analysis and its connections to secondary mathematics teaching and Mathematics in Middle and Secondary School: A Problem-Solving Approach.
Dr. Wasserman’s interest in teacher education stems from his time as an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin. After finishing high school in Oklahoma, he began as an Architecture major at UT Austin but soon found himself in the UTeach Program, which prepares undergraduate students to be middle and high school mathematics and science teachers. Later, these experiences shaped his interest in secondary teachers’ preparation for teaching through advanced mathematics, which he focused on during his time as a graduate student at TC. After earning both his M.A. and Ph.D. from our department, he became a professor at Southern Methodist University.
Since returning to the department as a professor in 2013, Dr. Wasserman has taught a range of mathematics and mathematics education courses, mentored countless students, and contributed to expanding the department’s international footprint. One of the highlights of his experience as a professor in the department was leading a study tour to Trinidad and Tobago where students were exposed to mathematics education approaches in that country. In 2022, Dr. Wasserman won a prestigious Fulbright Award. The goals of his project were to (1) generate specific learning resources to connect the advanced mathematics of abstract algebra and real analysis with the school curriculum for secondary mathematics teachers in Chile and (2) develop a proposal for redesigning advanced mathematics courses at these universities associated with abstract algebra and real analysis in coordination with Mathematics Education courses.
As Chair of MST, Dr. Wasserman plans to strengthen connections between the department’s three programs, positioning MST as a hub for STEM education. He also hopes to finish the development of a STEM certificate program, advance initiatives regarding artificial intelligence and education, expand the department’s visibility, and recruit a new generation of students passionate about shaping the future of mathematics, science, and technology education. His goal is to ensure that MST is not only thriving internally, but also recognized as a key voice in national and global conversations around STEM education.
Outside of his role as Department Chair, Dr. Wasserman enjoys brewing beer with a few other TC folks. If you see him in the halls, feel free to ask him about it!
Dr. Wasserman is a dedicated researcher and skilled administrator with a clear vision for the MST Department. We look forward to seeing his leadership expand the department’s impact and deepen its reputation as a leader in STEM Education.