Katie Anderson-Pence

Katie Anderson Pence, Ph.D., is an innovative leader in teacher preparation and a recognized scholar in mathematics education whose career spans more than two decades across K-12 classrooms, higher education, and academic leadership. She currently serves as Head of the School of Education and Assistant Dean of the College of Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP). In her leadership at UWSP, Anderson Pence champions collaborative, equity focused educator preparation that honors the strength of every learner. She prioritizes strong community partnerships, innovative pathways into teaching, and a commitment to honoring the unique strengths of every learner. Known for her enthusiasm, strategic mindset, and student centered philosophy, she continues to shape the future of teacher preparation at local, national, and global levels.

Before joining UWSP, Anderson Pence served for more than a decade at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where she held roles including Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Interim Associate Dean, Department Chair of Teaching and Learning, and Associate Professor. In these positions, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, coordinated elementary education programs, and expanded partnerships with school districts to enhance clinical experiences for aspiring teachers. An expert in elementary and early childhood mathematics education, Anderson-Pence’s scholarship centers on teacher development, rural teacher preparation pathways, mathematics classroom discourse, and the use of technology to deepen mathematical conceptual understanding. Her research agenda examines alternative entry routes into teaching, including teacher apprenticeship models and dual-enrollment programs designed to support future educators in rural communities. Her professional journey includes service as an elementary teacher and district math specialist in Utah’s Alpine School District, as well as university teaching and graduate research at Utah State University. Her published work appears in journals such as Educational Research: Theory and Practice, Education Sciences, and Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, with influential studies exploring techno-mathematical discourse and the pedagogical affordances of digital learning tools. She frequently presents at national conferences on mathematics instruction, teacher development, and innovations in educator preparation. Anderson-Pence has also served on the board of the School Science and Mathematics Association and is an active member of organizations such as the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and the National Rural Education Association (NREA).

Anderson-Pence holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and Leadership from Utah State University, an M.Ed. in Elementary Mathematics Education from Southern Utah University, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University.