Steven Benson

Steve Benson is a Research Scientist in the Center for Mathematics Education. He has a BS in mathematics from the University of Texas and an MS and PhD from the University of Illinois, working under the direction of Leon McCulloh in Algebraic Number Theory.

Prior to joining EDC in June of 2000, he served as a faculty member in the mathematics departments of St. Olaf College, Santa Clara University, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, directed the Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics program at Santa Clara University from 1991 to 1994, and has been co-director (with Karen Graham) of the Master of Science for Teachers program in the Mathematics Department of the University of New Hampshire since 1997. He has also been a consultant for Project NExT since 1997.

Steve has been involved in several projects which developed – and facilitated the use of – professional development materials for mathematics teachers and students, and is frequently invited to facilitate professional development workshops for K-16 teachers across the country (and Azerbaijan). He was the lead author of "Ways to Think About Mathematics: Activities and Investigations for Grade 6-12 Teachers," published by Corwin Press, was a co-Principal Investigator for the NSF-funded professional development curriculum project, "Seeing the Connections: Promoting Profound Understanding of Secondary Mathematics," and is part of the "Lenses on Learning: Understanding Mathematics Instruction at the Secondary Level" project. His relevant web-based experience includes the co-facilitation of an online course for university mathematics faculty and website design and administration. Dr. Benson has also contributed to a number of research projects, including "Leadership Content Knowledge and Mathematics Instructional Quality in the MSPs: A Study of Elementary and Middle School Principals" and "Thinking About Mathematics Instruction" (NSF), "Leadership Content Knowledge Research Project" (Spencer Foundation), and "IMO-2001 Research" (US Dept. of Ed.), for which he was Project Director.