Timothy Boerst
Ph.D. Specialty Area: I earned my doctorate in
Teacher Education
.
Present Position: I am a National Board Certified Teacher working in a position that unifies classroom teaching with work as a researcher and teacher educator with the Center for Proficiency in Teaching Mathematics at U of M.
Dissertation Topic: I conducted research in order to better understand the interactive features of professional development approaches and the relationship between those features and teacher learning. In a large sense I was interested in learning theory/teacher learning, approaches to professional development, and dimensions of professional knowledge.
Prior to coming to the SOE: I was an elementary school teacher in a Metro-Detroit area school district.
What I Learned in the Program: In terms of thinking I am able to engage educational ideas in a more critical, thorough, and interconnected fashion. In terms of knowledge I know much more about learning theory, assessment, dimensions of mathematics education, professional development approaches, and bridging worlds of scholarship and practice. In terms of skill I am better able to undertake research, establish professional learning environments, and lead discussion and action at various levels of educational work.
