Josh Mata, a former middle school math teacher and secondary math coordinator for Guilford County Schools, is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences with a concentration in Elementary Education in Mathematics and Science at North Carolina State University. His academic journey is driven by a deep-seated passion for helping teachers refine their professional practice and inspire students to find excitement in math.

Mata’s research is focused on understanding how math teachers apply what they learn in their professional development. He aims to help teachers grow their skills so they can create a more engaging and effective learning environment. His work is based on the belief that a teacher’s professional development is directly linked to a student’s success and enthusiasm for subjects like mathematics.