David Pomeroy

David Pomeroy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social and Cultural Studies within the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha) in Christchurch, New Zealand. Formerly a secondary mathematics teacher, he has been at the University of Canterbury since 2018 after previously teaching at Victoria University of Wellington from 2016-2017. His academic work bridges educational research, sociology, and mathematics pedagogy with a strong focus on equity issues.

Education:

• PhD in Education, University of Cambridge (2016)
• MPhil in Educational Research (Distinction), University of Cambridge (2012)
• MEd (Distinction), Victoria University of Wellington (2011)
• Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), Dunedin College of Education (2005)
• BA/BSc in Mathematics/Chemistry, University of Otago (2004)

Dr. Pomeroy's research centers on socio-economic, ethnic and gender inequalities in mathematics learning, with particular emphasis on how streaming or 'ability' grouping affects educational equity. He employs approaches from sociology and gender studies to examine the relationship between identity factors (social class, ethnicity, gender) and subject engagement. His work explores how school assessments create intended and unintended consequences for students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. He is actively involved in two major research streams: collaborating with secondary mathematics departments transitioning to mixed 'ability' classes, and working with Maths Craft NZ to investigate craft-based mathematics learning as an accessibility tool.

Analysis of Dr. Pomeroy's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on educational equity in mathematics through multiple lenses. His work examines how streaming reinforces racialized social class inequalities, explores teachers' adaptations to de-streamed classrooms, and investigates the emotional consequences of ability grouping (including 'shame'). His research spans multiple contexts (Aotearoa New Zealand, Finland, Australia) with particular attention to gendered experiences in mathematics education. The publications demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach combining sociology of education, critical race theory, and mathematics pedagogy to challenge traditional assumptions about ability and achievement.

Dr. Pomeroy is registered to supervise Master's and Doctoral students, with current supervisees researching topics including migrant students' success in science, gender perceptions in Chinese education, women teacher leaders in mathematics and science, and Māori and Pasifika girls' experiences in STEM education. He leads the NZCER-funded research project 'Pāngarau Unleashed: a Multiple Case Study of De-streaming Secondary Mathematics' (2022-2024). His professional activities include regular media commentary on education policy, peer reviewing for major education journals, and active membership in the Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand and NZARE.

Through his 'Maths Craft' initiative, Dr. Pomeroy has developed innovative approaches to mathematics education that use tactile, craft-based learning to make mathematical concepts more accessible. This work has particular relevance in post-pandemic educational contexts and represents a creative response to longstanding challenges in mathematics engagement. His teaching focuses on literacy and mathematics for primary school teaching, where he trains future educators in inclusive pedagogical approaches.