Travis Olson

Travis Olson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching & Learning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), housed within the College of Education. His primary research focus is mathematics education, emphasizing curriculum analysis, teacher decision-making, and Common Core implementation. Dr. Olson has led NSF-funded research projects and collaborates with Nevada schools and national organizations like the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). He teaches courses on mathematics pedagogy and advises doctoral students in mathematics education.

Dr. Olson’s work investigates how teachers use curricular materials, adapt content, and make instructional decisions. He has published extensively on curricular reasoning frameworks, textbook analysis, and the impact of standards on teaching practices. His research often involves partnerships with school districts and state education agencies to bridge research and practice.

Active in professional organizations, Olson serves as President of the Research Council on Mathematics Learning and has held leadership roles in NCTM and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. He pioneered the Nevada Mathematics Project, a statewide teacher professional development initiative. His grants include foundational NSF research on curricular reasoning and technology integration in mathematics education.

Key areas of contribution include curriculum-materials analysis, teacher professional development design, and the role of gestures in math/science learning. His work addresses both K-12 educational challenges and teacher preparation at the university level.