New Professor Rising Star in Math Education

The University of La Verne proudly welcomes Casey Griffin, a new addition to the Mathematics Department, whose career is already off to an impressive start. Griffin, now in her second semester of teaching, began her journey at the university in Fall 2024. With her dynamic approach to mathematics education and a passion for innovation, she is already making her mark.

Griffin recently achieved a major milestone by being accepted into the prestigious STaR (Service, Teaching, and Research) Program, which is run by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators. This competitive program is a national early-career induction initiative designed for faculty specializing in mathematics education. Its mission is to support emerging leaders in the field by providing mentorship and resources to enhance teaching, research, and service. Participants collaborate with mathematics educators from across the country, exploring cutting-edge teaching methods for K–12 educators and cultivating leadership and research skills.

“This is an incredible achievement. It’s beyond math research, it’s how we educate students,” said Yousef Daneshbod, PhD, chair of the Mathematics Department. “We look forward to seeing how this opportunity will enrich Casey’s work and benefit our department.”

Griffin’s enthusiasm for innovative teaching strategies aligns with her research interests, which focus on engaging students through accessible and inclusive mathematics instruction. Her commitment to this vision has already borne fruit: a chapter she co-authored was recently published in an academic book, showcasing her contributions to advancing mathematics education.

A key aspect of Griffin’s teaching philosophy is fostering a sense of belonging for all students, particularly women in mathematics. This commitment to inclusivity is one of the reasons she was drawn to the University of La Verne.

“There’s really a strong sense of community here,” she shared, noting how the university’s small class sizes allow her to form meaningful connections with students. “The department is really serious about incorporating active learning strategies. These approaches not only benefit students’ learning, but also their sense of belonging. It’s all about ensuring students feel they can succeed and have a place in this field.”

The close-knit environment allows Griffin to build relationships with her students, helping them feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their academic journey. She said  that for women in math, a sense of belonging is often the key to their success and retention in the field.

“I’m excited to learn from seasoned faculty in terms of advice on research, teaching, and service,” Griffin said. “It’s all about building a well-rounded repertoire and continuously improving as an educator.”

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Griffin is quickly becoming an integral part of the university community. With her involvement in the STaR Program, published research, and innovative approach to teaching, she is poised to be a transformative force in mathematics education at the University of La Verne.