Bio
Katie Anderson-Pence, Ph.D., was named the head of the School of Education and assistant dean of the College of Professional Studies in June 2025. Anderson-Pence brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having served as an elementary teacher, district math specialist, university faculty member and most recently as associate dean for academic and faculty affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Read More
Experience and Interests
Teaching
- Associate Professor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (2014-2025)
- University Instructor, Utah State University (2009-2014)
- Elementary Teacher, Alpine School District (2000-2011)
- District Math Specialist, Alpine School District (2007-2009)
Research Interests
- Teacher Apprenticeship Pathways
- Rural Education
- Teacher Development and Mentoring
- Mathematics Classroom Discourse
- Technology and Virtual Manipulatives in Mathematics Instruction
Presentations and Publications
Presentations
- Anderson-Pence, K.L. (2021, October). Leveraging Tutorial Instructional Software to Enhance Classroom Mathematical Discussions. Paper Presentation. Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association (NRMERA). Sun Valley, Idaho.
- Anderson-Pence, K. L. (2019, November). Enhancing Mathematics Instruction in Rural Schools: A Year-long Professional Development Experience. Regular Session. School Science and Math Association (SSMA) Annual Convention. Salt Lake City, Utah.
Publications
- Anderson-Pence, K.L., Tygret, J.A., & Crocker, L. (2020). Leveraging tutorial instructional software to enhance classroom mathematical discussions: An exploratory mixed-methods study. Educational Research: Theory and Practice, 31(3), 74–93. http://www.nrmera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/6-Anderson-Pence-et-al-Leveraging-Tutorial-Instructional-Software.pdf
- Anderson-Pence, K.L. (2017). Techno-mathematical discourse: A conceptual framework for analyzing K–12 classroom discussions. Education Sciences, 7(1), 40. doi:10.3390/educsci7010040
Involvement
Community
- Site Visit Team Member, Association for the Advancement of Quality in Educator Preparation (2023-present)
- Board Member, School Science and Mathematics Association (2024-2027)
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
- Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
- National Rural Education Association (NREA)
- School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA)
International Outreach
- Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
Fun Facts
Last book you read?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Best advice you ever received?
No matter how much work there is to do, always make time to play.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A meteorologist.
Favorite Quote?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Building relationships and forming meaningful connections with students.
A piece of advice for students in your school?
While mastering pedagogy and subject matter is essential, the heart of teaching lies in connecting with students. When students feel seen, heard and valued, they’re more likely to engage, take risks and grow. Strong relationships create a foundation for meaningful learning and lasting impact.