What are our alumni doing?
Samuel Otten
Graduation Year: ‘06
Major(s) and minor(s): math major, psychology minor
Post-grad education: Michigan State University, M.S. in Mathematics ‘08, Ph.D. in Mathematics Education ‘12
Current position: Associate Professor and Chair of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
Employer: The University of Missouri
The most helpful aspects of my undergraduate education in mathematics were: The opportunity to engage in summer research made a big impact on my decision to pursue graduate school, and the Mackinac Hall conversations about mathematics teaching and learning ignited a lifelong interest in mathematics pedagogy and curriculum.
The advice I’d offer to current undergraduate students in mathematics: Mathematical thinking can help us gain insights about the world but we should also use careful reasoning in our interactions with other people. And we should be delicate in pointing out the flaws of reasoning in other people because sometimes it is more important to be kind than to be right.
In a typical day in my work, I: am a faculty member who conducts research in middle and secondary mathematics education and coordinates online graduate programs for mathematics teachers. I also chair the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum which involves supporting faculty members, overseeing course offerings, and building relationships with school leaders across the state of Missouri. I also serve as a liaison to the Department of Mathematics and sometimes get to teach mathematics courses.
Other thoughts/comments: 2019 winner of the Excellence in Leadership and Service Award from the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators
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