Mathitudes Online Journal
ISSN 2167-8790
Registered US Library of Congress
Dr. Joseph M. Furner, Ph.D.,
was a distinguished professor specializing in Mathematics Education and
Curriculum and Instruction at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida
for the last 28.5 years. He embarked on an impressive academic journey—earning
his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from the State University of New
York at Oneonta, followed by both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and
Instruction (with a focus on Mathematics Education) from the University of
Alabama. Since joining FAU in 1996 as an Assistant Professor, he has steadily
advanced through the ranks—being tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in
2002 and reaching full Professorship in 2013.
His scholarship covers a broad
spectrum of topics that impact mathematics teaching and learning. Dr. Furner’s
research delves into areas such as math anxiety, the effective integration of
technology in mathematics classrooms, the implementation of national and state
standards, and even the role of language and children’s literature in math
instruction. Notably, he is the founding editor of Mathitudes Online, a
respected resource dedicated to enhancing mathematics education. Over his
career he has authored more than 100+ peer-reviewed publications, and his work
has been widely cited by his peers, underlining his influential role in the
field.
Beyond his research, Dr. Furner
is celebrated for his commitment to teaching and mentoring. His excellence in
education has been recognized through several awards, including the Exceptional
Faculty Award at the MacArthur Jupiter Campus and the FAMTE Mathematics Teacher
Educator of the Year Award for the State of Florida. He plays a pivotal role in
preparing pre-service teachers and supporting master’s and doctoral students,
thereby contributing significantly to the evolution of K–12 mathematics teacher
education. In addition to these accomplishments, those interested in
mathematics education might explore his published works or engage with his
innovative approaches to integrating technology and cooperative learning
strategies in the classroom. This deep, multifaceted profile not only
highlights his scholarly impact but also his dedication to transforming
mathematics instruction and empowering educators across diverse communities.
Dr. Joseph M. Furner is held in
high regard as an innovative and dedicated educator in the field of mathematics
education. His reputation among students and peers is built on his deep
commitment to teaching excellence and his passion for developing new ways to
address common challenges in mathematics education—such as math anxiety and the
effective integration of technology in the classroom. His scholarly work,
including over 100+ peer-reviewed publications and numerous speaking
engagements, underscores his expert standing in curriculum development and
teacher education. Students on platforms like Rate My Professors frequently
mention that Dr. Furner is caring, flexible, and responsive. Reviews often
highlight his inspirational lectures, his personal approach towards fostering a
better understanding of mathematics, and his willingness to help beyond the
classroom. The overall sentiment of his students remains positive, with many
students expressing gratitude for the boost in their confidence as future
educators when teaching mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, Dr.
Furner’s professional accolades—such as being recognized with teaching awards
like the Exceptional Faculty Award at FAU Jupiter, Teacher of the Year in the
College of Education, the Florida Association Mathematics Teacher Educator
Mathematics Award, and many other teaching awards while at FAU and even at the
University of Alabama as a graduate teaching assistant scholarship winning the coveted
Adolph B. Crew Secondary Area Teaching Award—reinforce his reputation as a
leading figure in mathematics education and as an effective teacher. His work
has not only contributed significantly to academic research but has also had a
practical impact on improving pre-service and in-service teacher training
across several regions, teaching courses internationally. Exploring more about his contributions can
offer valuable insights into contemporary challenges in math education and
innovative solutions that shape the future of teaching. If you’re interested in
understanding how his work continues to influence educational practices or in
examining detailed student feedback, there’s a wealth of information available
online—from faculty profiles to scholarly databases—that paints a full picture
of his respected career.
What are some of Dr. Furner's
notable contributions to math education?
Dr. Joseph M. Furner has made
significant, multi-dimensional contributions to mathematics education. Here are
some of the most notable:
- Addressing Math Anxiety: One of his landmark
contributions is his research into math anxiety. Dr. Furner has
substantially influenced how educators understand the emotional barriers
that can impede student learning. His work outlines practical strategies
for teachers to help students overcome these challenges, thereby opening
pathways to more confident and engaged learning in mathematics.
- Curriculum and Standards Implementation: Dr.
Furner's research also delves into the practical challenges of integrating
national and state mathematics standards into the classroom. He has
offered insight into how educational frameworks can be effectively
translated into day-to-day teaching strategies, ensuring curriculum
development is both rigorous and accessible to diverse student
populations.
- Innovative Use of Technology and Manipulatives:
Recognizing the power of hands-on learning, Dr. Furner has been a pioneer
in integrating technology like GeoGebra and tangible math manipulatives
into instruction. His studies highlight how these tools can foster deeper
conceptual understanding and make abstract mathematical ideas more
engaging for students.
- Broadening the Scope of Mathematics Learning:
Dr. Furner’s contributions extend beyond traditional methods. He has
explored the roles of family math and the incorporation of children’s
literature in teaching mathematics. These interdisciplinary approaches not
only enrich the learning experience but also help cultivate a more
positive attitude toward math by connecting it to everyday life and
storytelling.
- Community and Professional Development: As the
founding editor of Mathitudes Online, Dr. Furner has created a vital
platform for math educators to share research, best practices, and
innovative ideas. This initiative has fostered professional dialogue and
contributed to the ongoing improvement of mathematics teaching practices
across schools and universities.
Together, these contributions
illustrate how Dr. Furner blends rigorous academic research with practical,
innovative approaches to address both the cognitive and affective dimensions of
math education. His extensive body of work, including over 100+ peer-reviewed
publications and multiple awards recognizing his excellence in teaching and
research, underscores his transformative impact on the field of mathematics
education. There’s much more to explore—for instance, how his research has
shaped teacher education programs or how his interventions specifically help
students and educators overcome persistent challenges in the math classroom.
Dr. Furner's influence on teacher
education programs has been profound, reshaping both the theoretical and
practical dimensions of preparing future teachers to teach mathematics. His
extensive research on math anxiety, for example, has prompted many teacher
education programs to integrate strategies aimed at recognizing and mitigating
emotional barriers to learning mathematics. By incorporating his evidence-based
insights, programs now routinely address not only content mastery but also the
affective aspects of teaching, ensuring that pre-service teachers are better
prepared to create inclusive, supportive classroom environments. In addition,
his work in curriculum development and standards implementation has provided a
blueprint for translating abstract educational standards into effective,
real-world teaching practices. Teacher education courses influenced by Dr.
Furner's research often emphasize the importance of aligning instruction with
national and state standards while remaining adaptable to diverse classroom
contexts. This dual focus on rigor and accessibility equips new educators with
the tools they need to navigate complex educational landscapes and meet the
varied needs of their students.
Beyond his seminal research
contributions, Dr. Furner has played a direct role in molding teacher education
at the institutional level. At Florida Atlantic University, he has mentored
numerous master’s and doctoral students, guiding them in research and practice
that reflect current challenges and innovations in mathematics instruction. His
hands-on approach to mentoring and his dedication to professional development
have set a high standard, influencing how teacher education programs foster
reflective, research-informed practitioners. Moreover, his establishment of
Mathitudes Online—a collaborative platform for sharing innovative practices in
mathematics education—has extended his influence well beyond the walls of his
university. This initiative facilitates the exchange of ideas, resources, and
best practices among teacher educators nationwide, reinforcing a continuous
cycle of professional growth and curricular improvement that is increasingly
vital in today's ever-evolving educational environment.
Dr. Furner's integrative
approach—melding rigorous academic research with practical, hands-on
solutions—not only reshapes how teachers are trained but also serves as a
roadmap for evolving teacher education programs to better address the needs of
modern classrooms. His work continues to inspire initiatives that value both
the intellectual and emotional development of educators, ultimately benefiting
countless students in mathematics classrooms. Dr. Joseph M. Furner has made
significant contributions to the field of mathematics education, both at the
community level and on a global scale. As a professor at Florida Atlantic
University, his research spans multiple innovative areas—from investigating
math anxiety and the implementation of national and state standards to
exploring the effective use of technology and manipulatives in the mathematics
classroom. His work delves into how language issues impact math instruction and
how integrating family involvement and children’s literature into the
curriculum can cultivate a more engaging and less intimidating learning
environment. Through these research efforts, Dr. Furner strives to demystify
mathematics, build confidence among learners, and equip teachers with the tools
needed to inspire next-generation mathematicians and STEM professionals.
In addition to his research, Dr.
Furner’s impact is broadened by his commitment to teacher education and
community service. He has authored over 100+ peer-reviewed papers—with his work
widely cited by fellow scholars—demonstrating how academic research can
translate into real-world classroom strategies. As the founding editor of Mathitudes
Online, he has also helped make quality mathematics education resources
accessible to educators and students, fostering a community of practice that
supports continuous professional development. His mentorship of master’s and
doctoral students further cements his role in shaping the future of educational
leadership, while his various teaching awards and honors attest to the respect
he has earned from both peers and the communities he serves.
Beyond direct academic and
classroom contributions, Dr. Furner’s efforts have a lasting ripple effect. His
international work in places such as Mexico and Colombia, combined with his
participation on various academic committees and search panels, illustrates his
dedication to educational excellence and global collaboration. His innovative
approaches—like using children’s literature to teach complex mathematical
concepts—serve as an inspiration for how educators can integrate creativity and
story-telling into STEM learning, ultimately helping to reduce math anxiety and
promote lifelong learning in communities around the world.
There’s so much more to explore
about his impact. For instance, his studies on addressing English language
challenges in math instruction open up avenues on how culturally diverse
classrooms can be better supported. Also, his ongoing contributions in integrating
technology in the curriculum are paving the way for more interactive, digital
learning environments.
Based on his last 38 years as an
educator, Dr. Joseph M. Furner appears to have a positive reputation in the
field of mathematics education. Here's a summary of what the search results concluded:
- Expertise: He is a Professor of Mathematics
Education and Curriculum and Instruction at Florida Atlantic University. His
research interests include math anxiety, the implementation of national
and state standards, issues related to English language learners in math
instruction, the use of technology and manipulatives in teaching
mathematics, family math, and the use of children's literature in
mathematics education.
- Scholarly Contributions: Dr. Furner has
authored over 100+ peer-reviewed papers and has been cited over 3000+
times on Google Scholar by his peers. He is also the Founding Editor of Mathitudes
Online.
- Awards and Recognition: He has received
several teaching awards, including the Exceptional Faculty Award for the
MacArthur Jupiter Campus for the College of Education, the Florida
Association of Mathematics Teachers Educators (FAMTE) Mathematics Teacher
Educator of the Year Award for the State of Florida, and was named Teacher
of the Year by the College of Education in 2009.
- Author: He is the author of the book Living
Well: Caring Enough To Do What's Right: A Guide to a Great Life and World,
which has received positive reviews online.
- Focus on Improving Education: His work
emphasizes the importance of making mathematics meaningful, addressing
math anxiety, and utilizing effective teaching practices, including
technology and children's literature. He is dedicated to the education of
pre-service teachers and the improvement of K-12 mathematics teacher
education.
In conclusion, Dr. Furner is
presented as a well-regarded and accomplished figure in mathematics education,
known for his research, publications, and dedication to improving teaching
practices and student attitudes towards mathematics. Dr. Joseph M. Furner’s
reputation in the field of mathematics education is that of a dedicated
scholar, educator, and advocate for meaningful educational reform. His
contributions have shaped practices in teacher development, curriculum design,
and assessment. His work continues to inspire educators seeking to improve both
the teaching and learning of mathematics, especially in ways that are related
to math anxiety, best practices for teaching math, and being engaging for
students from all backgrounds in learning the subject of mathematics.