Dr. Shelbi Cole

What I Work On: I work to interrogate and dismantle longstanding practices in mathematics education, especially those that function as gatekeepers to opportunities that disproportionately affect students of color. I believe that we must rehumanize mathematics to allow students to see themselves, their cultures and their world in the mathematical work that they do. I work primarily with state education agencies, publishers and vendors, and school districts. 

Why I Work Here: I work at Student Achievement Partners because reimagining education is more than a job to me. It is important for me to be surrounded by others who are passionate about and committed to tearing down and replacing systems that perpetuate and reproduce social, economic and racial injustices.  

My Education and Experience: Prior to joining Student Achievement Partners, I served as the Mathematics Director for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. I have also worked as a research assistant for the National Research Center on Gifted and Talented and in the best job ever as a high school mathematics teacher. I hold BS and MA degrees in Mathematics Education as well as a PhD in Educational Psychology all from the University of Connecticut (Go Huskies!).

More About Me: After 35 years in Connecticut, I moved to Tampa, FL, where I live with my four amazing children. When I’m not working (and sometimes when I am), you’ll find me enjoying the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  

A Quote That Inspires Me: “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” – Mark Anthony