Farshid Safi

Dr. Farshid Safi serves as Associate Professor and Associate Director for Teaching and Service in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida's College of Community Innovation and Education. With over 25 years of professional experience, he collaborates extensively with K-12 teachers and school districts across the United States and Canada, teaching mathematics from algebra to AP calculus in public schools while delivering university-level content and methods courses. His work bridges classroom practice with teacher education through conceptual, connected mathematical understanding.

His educational qualifications include a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida (2009), an M.A. in Mathematics with Specialization in Teaching from the University of Florida (2002), and a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Florida (1993). This foundation supports his commitment to developing coherent mathematical understanding across educational contexts.

Dr. Safi's research centers on equitable teaching practices that foster conceptual and connected mathematical understanding for students and teachers. He integrates technology and dynamic software to enhance mathematical modeling and reasoning across K-12 levels, with particular focus on prospective teachers' development. His work addresses reasoning and sense making through interdisciplinary approaches that connect mathematical topics while centering equity and justice in educational practices.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward equity-centered mathematics teacher education, with recurring themes in ethnomodeling, multilingual learner engagement, and technology-enhanced instruction. His scholarship connects cultural traditions with mathematical concepts, applies mathematics to social justice issues like gerrymandering, and develops professional learning models that build mathematical belongingness through community-focused approaches.

Dr. Safi actively mentors mathematics education doctoral students through collaborative research projects, books, and journal articles. He has presented over 150 times at conferences globally and serves on the Board of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE), contributing to policy development that advances equitable mathematics education practices through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.