Six ways this professor is preparing students — and their future teachers — for math success
From calculus prep to carnival games, here are the top six ways Craig Spencer, deputy director of undergraduate studies in mathematics and the 2025-26 Coffman Chair for Distinguished Teaching Scholars, is elevating K-State’s mathematics program.
- Helping students conquer Calculus
Each summer, Spencer leads Engineering Launch, an innovative month-long program that arms incoming engineering students with the foundation and confidence they need to succeed in Calculus I, the first academic speed bump for many students. - Tailoring teaching styles
When teaching a large lecture, Spencer tries to be “overly energetic and enthusiastic” to encourage participation. In smaller classes, he uses hands-on learning and open-ended questions to engage his students. - Professional development for K-12 teachers
Spencer helps train K-12 teachers how to better prepare students for college math. This improves K-State calculus retention rates. - Math education internships and scholarships
Spencer helped secure funding for internships for freshmen and sophomores pursuing careers in math education, and scholarships for juniors and seniors training to become secondary math teachers in high-needs school districts. - Improving carnival games
You read that right. In his Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics class, Spencer’s students use bowling pins, balloons and mathematical models to design challenging and entertaining carnival games. - Saturday math with middle schoolers
K-State’s Math Circle is a free math enrichment program for seventh- and eighth-graders. Spencer teaches them via Zoom on Saturday mornings as a way to engage future math students and teachers.
Spencer will use the time and resources awarded with the Coffman Chair to research how K-State can better meet the varied math needs of students.
Written by: Heather Ackerly
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