Sarah Bush, a professor of K–12 STEM education and Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has been appointed to the U.S. National Commission on Mathematics Instruction (USNC/MI). Her term began in May and will continue through December 2028.
The USNC/MI operates under the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, promoting U.S. participation in global mathematics education initiatives. The commission represents the United States in organizations such as the International Commission on Mathematics Instruction (ICMI) and the International Mathematical Union, both of which aim to enhance mathematics instruction worldwide.
“For the past 15 years, I’ve been dedicated to interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM work grounded in deep mathematics learning, which not many other members of the commission specialize in,” Bush says. “I’ve also worked with some of the largest school districts in the country to cultivate mathematics teacher-leaders and make systemic improvements in education. These are some of the unique perspectives I bring to the table.”
Bush’s background includes directing the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy, a partnership that supports K-12 STEM educators seeking advanced degrees and works to improve mathematics and science education for youth in Central Florida.
USNC/MI not only represents the United States at international mathematics education events but also provides guidance on current topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and instructional strategies in mathematics. Bush believes her expertise aligns well with these efforts.
“To be part of this commission is so exciting,” Bush says. “It’s our voice in mathematics education to the whole world. This appointment is effortlessly synergistic with UCF’s focus on STEM and AI, and it only further elevates the pioneering work we’re doing here.”
Bush highlights that data science and AI are changing how teachers and students analyze mathematical data, making instruction more impactful and efficient. She plans to collaborate with other USNC/MI members on providing instructional guidance related to these technologies.
“AI gives us instant access to information and data that opens doors to a whole new level of conversations in math and STEM instruction,” Bush says. “My current work explores how AI can be intentionally leveraged to make our instruction more authentic and empower students to seek solutions to real challenges on a deeper level.”
“In USNC/MI, we’re not only interested in teaching students how to use AI,” she continues. “We also want to help them think about when and why to use it while being critical consumers who understand its limitations and broader implications.”
Bush was nominated for her role by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, where she served on the board from 2019 to 2022. She describes her appointment as a significant professional opportunity.
“It’s a big honor in our field,” Bush says. “Those I’m serving alongside on the commission have made critical contributions to my field, and they have impactful careers as faculty, distinguished professors, endowed chairs and deans at some of the highest-performing universities in our country. I’ve collaborated with some of them in the past, and others I’ll be working with for the first time. I’m learning so much through this experience because they work in areas adjacent to my own. It still feels a little unreal that I’ve been nominated to join them and represent UCF.”
Bush will participate with other USNC/MI members at key events such as the International Congress on Mathematics Education, scheduled for Prague in Summer 2028, where thousands of mathematics educators gather every four years to share their work, exchange ideas, and build partnerships.
