Cindy Jong

Dr. Cindy Jong is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Kentucky's STEM Education Department since 2011. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics Education from Boston College. Her research centers on how elementary teachers' attitudes, beliefs, and professional noticing influence their identity and classroom practices, emphasizing social justice and equity in education.

Dr. Jong has held leadership roles in diversity committees, including co-chairing the University’s Senate Advisory Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and steering the Psychology of Mathematics Education in North America. She has secured NSF grants to advance equity-focused research and teaches graduate courses on Equity in STEM Education. Her work includes developing tools like the College Mathematics Beliefs and Belonging Survey and exploring connections between teacher noticing and social justice pedagogy.

Her research spans preservice and inservice teachers' professional noticing skills, the role of affect in mathematics education, and equity-oriented curriculum design. Notable projects include examining racial factors in STEM experiences and creating mindfulness-based strategies for equitable mathematics instruction.

Dr. Jong has served on committees for the American Educational Research Association and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, contributing to national standards and equity initiatives. Her work bridges theory and practice, aiming to cultivate inclusive classrooms and prepare educators to address systemic inequities.