PROCEEDINGS OF THE 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2016
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Exploring tensions: Leanne’s story of supporting pre-service mathematics teachers with learning disabilities
Page: 1256
This paper presents a case study of a mathematics teacher educator, Leanne, and her story of trying to support the development of two pre-service elementary school teachers with recognized learning disabilities. We analyze data through a lens of mathematical knowledge for teaching, focusing in particular on concerns and tensions about (i) maintaining academic rigor while meeting the emotional, cognitive and pedagogical needs of her students, (ii) seemingly opposing pedagogies between special education and mathematics education practices, and (iii) equitable opportunities for teachers with disabilities and the consequences for their potential pupils. We offer an analysis of Leanne’s personal struggle, highlighting implications for teacher education and offering recommendations for future research.