Connecting Abstract Algebra to Secondary Mathematics, for Secondary Mathematics Teachers

Nicholas H. Wasserman is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Previously, he taught mathematics for six years at the secondary level, in both a large public school in Austin and a private school in Manhattan. His scholarly interests focus on mathematics teachers' knowledge and development, particularly on how advanced content knowledge is relevant for teachers and influences secondary classroom teaching and practice. Dr. Wasserman's research has led him to examine how knowledge of Abstract Algebra becomes influential for the teaching of numerical and algebraic concepts in school mathematics. He is also collaborating with faculty from Rutgers University and Temple University to develop an instructional model for designing tasks in a real analysis course with secondary teachers in mind. His related interests include: combinatorics education, both at the secondary and undergraduate levels; as well as how the use of dynamic technologies can influence mathematics teaching and learning.