Promoting Equitable Math Instruction: Exploring Elementary Teachers' Stories (Equity and Social Justice in Education Series)

Step into K–5 classrooms and examine equitable math instruction. Through authentic cases from current and former math teachers, this book explores the complexities of teaching math in ways that empower every learner. Whether engaging in personal reflection or collaborative professional development, each chapter challenges you to examine your own practice by confronting assumptions, uncovering bias, and reimagining your role as a math teacher or leader.

This book features a collection of 20 cases organized around themes of classroom policies and procedures, communication, instructional pedagogies and tasks, and family and community engagement. Designed for K–5 teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders, every case includes reflection questions and points for consideration to extend thinking and guide ongoing growth. By exploring both equitable and inequitable teaching practices, this book equips you to recognize how instructional decisions can hinder or support access and success for all students.

Whether you’re new to the classroom or a seasoned educator, this book invites you to spark meaningful change. It challenges you to question deficit-based assumptions, reconsider traditional notions of who participates and succeeds in math, and critically reflect on your instructional decisions. With insight and inspiration, this book empowers you to cultivate inclusive math classrooms where every student is valued, supported, and positioned to thrive.

Dr. Monica L. Gonzalez is an Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education at East Carolina University, and a former elementary math teacher and assistant principal.

Dr. Alesia Mickle Moldavan is an Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics and Science Education at Georgia Southern University, and a former secondary math teacher.