NEWS

The College of Education at Louisiana Tech made a mark on graduate Dr. Sandi Cooper’s journey in the field of mathematics education, where she was mentored by Dr. Carolyn Talton, Professor Emeritus. Her mentorship planted the seed for Cooper to succeed and paved the way for her to pursue great success in the field. 

Cooper pursued several special opportunities to engage in professional development with teachers, classes with preservice teachers, and presentations at national conferences that prepared her for her future in education. Recently, she has worked with Dr. Amy Vessel, Associate Professor, to learn more about the clinical experiences offered in the teacher education program.

The hallmark of Cooper’s career would be establishing the Math for Early Learners Academy (MELA)at Baylor University. This is a month-long summer program for PreK and Kindergarten children, designed to provide positive learning experiences focused on the development of early number concepts. Children from three local school districts come to Baylor’s campus each summer to participate in MELA.

Cooper did not shy away when it came to leadership roles in Mathematics Education. She recently received the E. Glenadine Gibb Achievement Award, awarded by the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 2022, in recognition of her service. She became President of the Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2017-19), Co-Executive Director for the School Science and Mathematics Association (2006-09), and inaugural President of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators in Texas (2008-10). She has also served on numerous national boards, committees, and special task forces. 

Dr. Sandi Cooper earned her BA (’85) and MA (’88) in Elementary Education at Louisiana Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at Texas A&M University (’94). She currently serves at Baylor University as Professor of Mathematics Education, Associate Chair of Curriculum and Instruction, Coordinator of Mathematics Education, and Coordinator of the Informal Education minor in their School of Education. She is also the Founding Director of the Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, a nationally recognized doctoral program. She teaches undergraduate courses in the elementary teacher certification program and graduate courses in mathematics education. Named Centennial Professor in 2016 and Baylor Fellow in 2021 at Baylor University, Dr. Cooper’s recent research focus is related to early number development. 

From her first steps in Woodard Hall to her most recent campus visits, Cooper continues to be forever loyal to her alma mater.