Toni M. Smith

Principal Researcher

Toni M. Smith is a principal researcher at AIR where she directs research and development projects focused on mathematics instruction and teacher professional learning.

Dr. Smith currently directs the development and experimental testing of a virtual coaching program designed to improve the alignment of teachers’ instruction to state standards funded by the U.S. Department of Education and co-directs two networked improvement communities in which high school math teachers use improvement science methods to improve their instruction, one funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the other by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Dr. Smith also serves as co-Principal Investigator on a U.S. Department of Education grant to develop and test an intervention that uses professional learning communities and individualized coaching to improve instruction through practice with feedback.

Previously, Dr. Smith oversaw implementation of a math content-intensive PD program and led analyses of implementation data in a large-scale experimental study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education. She was also co-principal investigator for the development and pilot testing of an intervention that uses simulated classroom environments to provide opportunities for math teachers to practice using questioning and discussion techniques in their instruction, which was funded by the Charles and Lynn Shusterman Family Foundation.

In her work, Dr. Smith draws upon prior experience as a high school math teacher and assistant professor of math education.

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Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Mathematics Education, University of Maryland; M.S. Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; B.A. Mathematics, McDaniel College

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