When stories meet numbers: Investigating preservice teachers’ questions in literature-based math instruction

Ashley Avant

Student Researcher

Western Washington University

Lizhen Chen

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education

Western Washington University

I am a former K-12 teacher and an assistant professor of mathematics education at Western Washington University. I teach early childhood, elementary, and middle school mathematics content and methods courses to preservice teachers. My philosophy of effective teaching practices is embodied in the use of culturally relevant pedagogy by means of a) creating a safe learning environment where students’ unique cultural values and lived experiences are acknowledged, b) promoting students’ diverse intellectual participation, c) using effective teacher questions to access and enhance students’ diverse thinking, and d) applying equitable assessments to track students’ learning progressions and inform subsequent teaching.

Melissa Moreno

Student Researcher

Western Washington University

Bilingual preservice teacher pursuing a bachelor's in early childhood education with an endorsement in multilingual education. 4 years of experience of working as a paraeducator at an elementary school. My teaching philosophy is grounded in equity, relationship, and culturally responsive pedagogy. I believe that learning is most powerful when it is connected to students’ lives, identities, and communities. My goal as an educator is to create a space where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. I want to nurture kind, critical thinkers who can navigate and contribute to a diverse world.