Nicholas Wasserman

Nicholas Wasserman is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he has been actively contributing to the Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology. His work primarily focuses on connecting advanced mathematics with secondary teacher education, particularly examining how university-level mathematics courses can better prepare future teachers.

Wasserman earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and his B.S. in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin through the UTeach Program. His scholarly interests center on secondary mathematics teacher education, with specific focus on how teachers' knowledge of advanced mathematics connects to their teaching practices. He has conducted extensive research on the intersection between university mathematics courses (particularly Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis) and secondary mathematics teaching.

His research program spans three main areas: 1) the relationship between teachers' advanced mathematical knowledge and classroom practices; 2) combinatorics education at both secondary and tertiary levels, with emphasis on set-theoretic encoded outcomes; and 3) the use of dynamic technology as a tool for designing mathematics learning opportunities. Wasserman has developed an instructional model for teaching advanced mathematics courses specifically designed for secondary teacher education.

His recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on graphical representations of mathematical concepts, particularly function composition, and how 3D visualization tools can enhance teachers' and students' mathematical reasoning. His work consistently examines how mathematical practices can inform pedagogical approaches, with increasing attention to what he terms 'Pedagogical Mathematical Practices' that bridge the gap between mathematical knowledge and teaching practice.

• 2021 Faculty Teaching Award, Honorable Mention from Teachers College
• Fulbright Specialist (2019-2022) with the U.S. Department of State
• Outstanding Reviewer for the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (2018)
• Best Paper Award at RUME Conference (2017)
• STaR Fellow for Early Career Mathematics Educators (2012-2013)

Wasserman has been actively involved in numerous collaborative research projects, including the NSF-funded ULTRA (Upgrading Learning for Teachers in Real Analysis) project, which develops experimental real analysis courses specifically for secondary mathematics teachers. His work has taken him internationally, including collaborations in Chile where he worked with Universidad Católica and Universidad Católica de Valparaíso to connect advanced mathematics with secondary teacher education programs. He is also known for his contributions to professional development through Math for America mini-courses and his participation in the Teaching Math Teaching podcast.