Mari Altshuler

Mari Altshuler is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her work centers on supporting children, teachers, and families in developing positive, empowered relationships with mathematics through equitable and ambitious teaching practices.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, Northwestern University
• M.A.T. in Elementary Education, Urban Teacher Education Program, University of Chicago
• B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Geology), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Focus:
Mari Altshuler's research is deeply rooted in early childhood and elementary mathematics education. She investigates how teachers can foster mathematical identities in young learners and how teacher professional development—especially through classroom video analysis—can support equitable and effective instruction. Her work emphasizes the importance of practice-based teacher education, where teachers engage directly with classroom experiences to refine their craft.

Teaching and Engagement:
She teaches foundational courses such as CI 443: Mathematics in Early Childhood Education and CI 432: Investigative Approach to Elementary Mathematics Instruction, both aimed at preparing pre-service teachers to engage children in meaningful mathematical learning. She also builds partnerships between UIUC and local elementary schools to bridge theory and practice.

Publications:
Her research has been published in leading journals such as Learning, Culture and Social Interaction and Phi Delta Kappan. Notable works include studies on teacher coaching, classroom video use, and student mathematical identity development.

Contact:
mshuler@illinois.edu