Sarah Bush has spent her career strengthening mathematics education in classrooms across the nation. Now, she has the opportunity to promote innovative mathematics instruction on an international stage.
Bush, a professor of K–12 STEM education and Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair in the College of Community Innovation and Education was recently appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Instruction (USNC/MI). The School of Teacher Education faculty member’s appointment began in May and will end in December 2028.
An Opportunity for National and Global Impact
Under the umbrella of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, USNC/MI is a standing commission that promotes U.S. participation in mathematics activities around the world. USNC/MI members represent the U.S. through participation in the International Commission on Mathematics Instruction (ICMI), which aims to build global interaction among mathematics educators and researchers. The commission also represents the U.S. in the International Mathematical Union, which fosters efforts to improve the quality of mathematics instruction worldwide.
“For the past 15 years, I’ve been dedicated to interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM work grounded in deep mathematics learning, which not many other members of the commission specialize in,” Bush says. “I’ve also worked with some of the largest school districts in the country to cultivate mathematics teacher-leaders and make systemic improvements in education. These are some of the unique perspectives I bring to the table.”
Part of Bush’s distinct insight is informed by her experience as the director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy, a 30-year partnership that supports K-12 STEM educators pursuing advanced degrees and boosts the quality of mathematics and science education for Central Florida youth.
Guiding the Future With Emerging Technologies
Not only does USNC/MI represent the United States in mathematics education events worldwide, it also provides guidance on timely topics such as innovative technology — such as artificial intelligence (AI) — and instructional strategies in mathematics. Bush believes her expertise will be valuable in the commission’s efforts to provide this guidance.
“To be part of this commission is so exciting,” Bush says. “It’s our voice in mathematics education to the whole world. This appointment is effortlessly synergistic with UCF’s focus on STEM and AI, and it only further elevates the pioneering work we’re doing here.”
With data science and AI currently trending as transformative tools in mathematics education, Bush says they have the potential to allow teachers and students to analyze and interpret mathematical data in a more impactful and efficient way — something she is interested in working with fellow USNC/MI members on regarding instructional guidance.
“AI gives us instant access to information and data that opens doors to a whole new level of conversations in math and STEM instruction,” Bush says. “My current work explores how AI can be intentionally leveraged to make our instruction more authentic and empower students to seek solutions to real challenges on a deeper level.”
“In USNC/MI, we’re not only interested in teaching students how to use AI,” she continues. “We also want to help them think about when and why to use it while being critical consumers who understand its limitations and broader implications.”
A Prestigious Appointment and a Global Stage
Bush received her appointment with USNC/MI through a nomination from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics — the world’s largest PK–12 mathematics education association — for which she served on the board of directors from 2019 to 2022. She says she considers the USNC/MI appointment an extraordinary professional learning opportunity.
“It’s a big honor in our field,” Bush says. “Those I’m serving alongside on the commission have made critical contributions to my field, and they have impactful careers as faculty, distinguished professors, endowed chairs and deans at some of the highest-performing universities in our country. I’ve collaborated with some of them in the past, and others I’ll be working with for the first time. I’m learning so much through this experience because they work in areas adjacent to my own. It still feels a little unreal that I’ve been nominated to join them and represent UCF.”
She says she is looking forward to seeing how her involvement with USNC/MI will unlock new possibilities for discovery and collaboration on the international stage.
Bush and fellow USNC/MI members will also be gearing up to represent the U.S. at the International Congress on Mathematics Education — one of the key events in which the commission is involved. Held every four years, this conference brings together thousands of mathematics educators from around the world to showcase their work, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. The next conference will convene in Prague in Summer 2028.
