Timothy A. Boerst

Timothy A. Boerst is a Clinical Professor at the Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan. He focuses on preparing beginning teachers to excel in pedagogical and subject-matter skills, emphasizing equitable mathematics instruction. His leadership roles include Chair of the Elementary Teacher Education Program, board member of the MI-AMTE, chair of the NCTM Research Committee, and AMTE board member. Previously, he spent 15 years as an elementary classroom teacher, earning and renewing National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist.

Education: He holds a PhD in Teacher Education and an MA in Mathematics Education from the University of Michigan.

Research interests center on practice-based mathematics methods, simulations of teaching work, assessment of teaching practice, and professional development design. He integrates classroom teaching, research, and teacher education to bridge theory and practice. His projects include NSF/IES-funded initiatives on teaching simulations and formative feedback systems.

Grants and Projects: He leads the Assessing Teaching Practice (@Practice) Project, which develops simulations for evaluating teaching practices. Other projects include Facilitating Formative Feedback (2021–2025) and Developing Modules for Elementary Mathematics Specialists (2008–2011).

Scientific Awards: He earned National Board Certification and served as a Practitioner Scholar with the Center for Proficiency in Teaching Mathematics and the Carnegie Foundation.