The faculty members provide a broad spectrum of expertise in the curriculum for the Master of Mathematics Education program. Faculty from three units, the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Health and Sports Science, are committed to this program.

Department of Mathematics

Dr. Rebecca Krakowski, Program Director, is an Assistant Professor. Her primary area of expertise is mathematics education, with an emphasis on quantitative research methods. Research interests include the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs and the impact of technology on mathematics education. She has considerable experience working with in-service teachers through the State of Ohio, Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) grants.

Dr. Shannon Driskell is an Assistant Professor whose area of expertise is mathematics education. Dr. Driskell has expertise in qualitative research methods, and her research interests include the appropriate use of technology to teach K–12 mathematics, the content knowledge of prospective mathematics teachers, and the teaching and learning of geometry. She has considerable experience working with in-service teachers through the State of Ohio, Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) grants.

Dr. Atif Abueida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics. His area of expertise is discrete mathematics with an emphasis on graph theory, design theory, and complex analysis. Dr. Abueida has eight years of experience teaching high school mathematics, and has considerable experience working with in-service teachers through the State of Ohio, Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) grants.

Dr. Aparna Higgins is a Professor and she has been heavily involved with the development of the new middle childhood mathematics curriculum. Dr. Higgins has been honored with teaching awards from the College of Arts and Science and the Alumni Award at UD, and the Award for Distinguished University or College Teaching from the Ohio Section of the Mathematical Association of America, and the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching from the Mathematical Association of America. She is also very involved with the work of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), which is the largest professional society devoted to the teaching of undergraduate mathematics. Dr. Higgins’ expertise in graph theory and combinatorics has been instrumental in the development of several of the courses to be offered in the proposed curriculum.

Department of Health & Sports Science

Dr. Jayne Brahler is an Assistant Professor. Her area of expertise for the proposed program is quantitative research methods in education. She serves as the statistics and research design consultant for the School of Education & Allied Professions.

Department of Teacher Education

Dr. Janet Herrelko is an Assistant Professor and National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Adolescence to Young Adult mathematics. She is affiliated with mathematics methods for Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, and the Adolescence to Young Adult Programs. Her areas of expertise include mathematics education and National Board Certification, while her research focuses on Local Professional Development Committees implementation and Ohio mathematics proficiency testing. She is also a member of several national and regional professional organizations including: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and the Ohio Mathematics and Science Coalition.

Dr. Kathryn Kinnucan-Welsch, is Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and an Associate Professor at the University of Dayton. She is affiliated with the Reading and Early Childhood Programs. Her areas of expertise include early literacy and research. Dr. Kinnucan-Welsch is active in supporting the professional development of preservice students as well as practicing teachers. She is currently working with several school districts in supporting literacy initiatives. As chair of the Department of Teacher Education, Dr. Kinnucan-Welsch provides support and guidance in the program implementation.

Dr. Joseph Watras, a Professor, is affiliated with the Foundations of Education Program. His areas of expertise include history, philosophy, and social foundations of education.