Maria Blanton

Dr. Maria Blanton has conducted research on teaching and learning algebra in the elementary grades for almost three decades. During that time, she has served as a Professor of Mathematics and STEM Education at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and, for the last 15 years, as a Senior Scientist at the nonprofit organization, TERC, Inc. She has led numerous federally funded projects to explore the cognitive foundations of children’s algebraic thinking and to design effective methods for developing children’s algebra readiness for middle grades. As part of this, she co-authored LEAP: Learning through an Early Algebra Progression, an early algebra curriculum for Grades K–5. She is also co-editor of the research volumes Algebra in the Early Grades and Teaching and Learning Proof Across the Grades. She is author of Algebra and the Elementary Classroom: Transforming Thinking, Transforming Practice and co-author of Developing Essential Understanding of Algebraic Thinking for Teaching Mathematics in Grades 3–5 and Teaching with Mathematical Argument: Strategies for Supporting Everyday Instruction. She is the recipient of the 2020 International Award for Interdisciplinary Excellence in Mathematics Education (Texas A&M University) for her research in children’s early algebraic thinking.