Before receiving her doctorate in mathematics education from SDSU in 1976, she taught in elementary schools and in mathematics departments at secondary schools and university levels. Sowder has also held leadership positions on several national committees and was editor of the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education. Currently, she serves on the NCTM's board of directors. The institute will provide long-term professional development opportunities and will serve mathematics teachers from area school districts, beginning with the San Diego City Schools. Too many mathematics teachers teach procedurally.
Students can learn so much more when they understand the concepts behind the math.
Beyond San Diego, Sowder's work promises to influence mathematics teacher preparation throughout the country. As a member of the writing team of the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences' Mathematics Education of Teachers Project she will be responsible for updating the nation's blueprint on preparation of K-12 math teachers. Sowder says the document will be distributed to all mathematics departments and focus on the role the departments play in preparing teachers. San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorates in 13.