Eastern Michigan University professor leads national efforts to advance data science education for future math teachers

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University mathematics professor Stephanie Casey is helping lead a national movement to better prepare future math teachers for a data-driven world. Her motivation? The growing importance of data science and statistics across every aspect of modern society.

Casey is part of a small, dedicated group of mathematics teacher educators working to embed data science and statistics into K–12 mathematics education. She said that while K–12 schools are beginning to recognize the need for data literacy, many university teacher-preparation programs are lagging behind.

“Many university students preparing to be mathematics teachers have never had these learning experiences with data in their schooling themselves, so we must attend to developing mathematics teachers’ knowledge for teaching statistics and data science in their pre-service teacher programs,” said Casey.

Casey recently participated in the 2025 ESTEEM Summit on Transforming Mathematics Teacher Preparation for a Data Science and Statistics Future, where more than 80 experts from 54 institutions and organizations gathered to tackle the nation’s growing data literacy crisis. The summit focused on the evolving landscape of teacher education, highlighting innovative curriculum materials, best practices, and actionable strategies to modernize K–12 mathematics education.

A longtime collaborator with the ESTEEM (Enhancing Statistics and Data Science Education in Mathematics Teacher Preparation) initiative, Casey has helped advance the use of ESTEEM curriculum materials in teacher-preparation programs across the country.

“Another significant outcome of the ESTEEM project has been the creation of a data science and statistics teacher education networked improvement community,” Casey said. “This type of community is crucial to supporting the transformation we’re aiming for in undergraduate mathematics teacher preparation.”

The ESTEEM network includes national organizations, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Data Science 4 Everyone, curriculum authors like those behind Introduction to Data Science, and technology innovators such as the Concord Consortium. Together, these partners and educators from more than 50 universities are working to ensure the next generation of teachers can succeed in a data-driven world.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is the second-oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 12,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. More than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are offered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its Graduate School. EMU is nationally recognized for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. With a strong focus on career readiness, the University equips students with the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and personalized support, EMU prepares graduates to launch meaningful careers and make an impact in their communities.

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