Deborah Spencer has over 30 years of experience leading mathematics education initiatives that support the use of high-quality curricula and equitable instructional practices, with a focus on underserved students (pre-K–12).
Spencer has significant experience in building, implementing, researching, and scaling innovative pre-K–12 curriculum tools. She co-leads multiple large-scale curriculum studies, including a National Science Foundation-funded examination of the impacts of Transition to Algebra for underprepared ninth-graders and a U.S. Department of Education-funded study of the Beauty and Joy of Computing program.
Spencer is the co-PI for Math+C, which is developing microworlds that integrate programming into mathematics, using programming as a language to help children in grades 2–5 express and explore mathematical ideas. Recent projects include development of the SolveMe digital puzzle apps to support the learning of foundational algebraic ideas and the Implementing the Mathematical Practice Standards program for secondary teachers. She is also an advisor to EDC’s Young Mathematicians preschool and family initiatives.
Spencer received her EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with a concentration in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy.