2025 Karen D. King Excellence in Advocacy Award
Julia Aguirre
University of Washington
Biography
Julia Maria Aguirre is a Professor of Education at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her work focuses on critical equity studies in mathematics education, teacher education, culturally responsive mathematics pedagogy, and mathematical modeling. Dr. Aguirre is co-author of four books: The Impact of Identity in K-12 Mathematics: Rethinking Equity-Based Practices (2024); Cultivating Mathematical Hearts: Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teaching in Elementary Classrooms (2024); Transforming Mathematics Teacher Education: An Equity-based Approach (2019); and The Impact of Identity in K-8 Mathematics: Rethinking Equity-based Practices (2013). Current grant-funded project focuses on Advancing Equity and Strengthening Teaching with Elementary Mathematical Modeling (www.eqstemm.org). She has taught mathematics in formal K-12 school and out-of-school settings.She is committed to working with educators to positively impact children’s math learning by reimagining their pedagogy to leverage student strengths and experiences; partner with families and communities; dismantle academic apartheid; and advocate for mathematics education that cultivates justice, joy, and civic engagement. She welcomes all to make learning mathematics more meaningful, humanizing and just.