Alison Castro Superfine

Alison Castro Superfine serves as Director and Professor at the Learning Sciences Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago, holding dual appointments in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science and the Learning Sciences Research Institute where she specializes in mathematics education and learning sciences.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2006)
• MS in Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2006)
• BA in Mathematics, University of California, Riverside (2001)

Her research centers on elementary mathematics teacher development, investigating how prospective and practicing teachers acquire mathematical knowledge for teaching through specialized learning environments. She pioneers analytic frameworks for studying teacher educators' knowledge and develops learning trajectory-based formative assessment tools that enhance classroom discourse practices. Her work bridges cognitive science with practical classroom applications, emphasizing how teachers notice and respond to student thinking in real-time instructional settings.

Scientific Awards:

• International Society of Design and Development in Education (ISDDE) Fellow (2017)

Dr. Castro Superfine has secured significant funding for projects redesigning mathematics teacher preparation programs and studying longitudinal teacher development. Her research examines how educators implement formative assessment practices over time and develop professional noticing skills, though specific grant details and advisee relationships aren't documented in the source material. She maintains active leadership in the Learning Sciences Research Institute while contributing to mathematics education through her dual departmental affiliations.