Rate My Professor Brian Lawler

California State University, San Marcos

Education Mathematics Mathematics Education Science Education Teacher Education - Secondary Education Curriculum and Instruction

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5.04/23/2026

Makes even dry topics interesting.

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About Brian

Brian Lawler is a mathematics education scholar who served as Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the School of Education at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) from August 2013 to July 2016, having previously held the position of Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education there from August 2007 to July 2013. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia (2008, with an Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies Certificate), an M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Georgia (2006), an M.A. in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Dominguez Hills (1999), and a B.S. in Mathematics (magna cum laude) from Colorado State University (1992), along with a Colorado Teacher Certificate. Before entering higher education, Lawler worked as Mathematics Department Chair and Technology Specialist at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Long Beach (1997–2000), and as a high school mathematics teacher at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Colorado (1993–1997), as well as at schools in Athens, Georgia.

Lawler's research specializations and academic interests center on equity issues in mathematics education, the intertwining of power and knowledge in shaping mathematical identities, personal epistemologies of adolescent mathematicians, constructivist pedagogy, teacher decision-making, social justice mathematics, de-tracking programs, and ethnopedagogies. He is a contributing author to the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) curriculum. Key publications include 'To rectify the moral turpitude of mathematics education' (Journal of Urban Mathematics Education, 2016), 'Strengthening STEM education through community partnerships' (Science Education & Civic Engagement, 2016), 'Forging a constructivist pedagogy: Focus on teacher decision-making' (Constructivist Foundations, 2014), 'What if mathematics could no longer be trusted? A review of “In Doubt—About Language, Mathematics, Knowledge and Life-worlds”' (Journal of Urban Mathematics Education, 2011), and 'Persistent iniquities: A twenty-year perspective on “Race, Sex, Socioeconomic Status, and Mathematics”' (The Mathematics Educator, 2005). At CSUSM, he held significant appointments such as co-director of the Math and Science Learning Assistance Program, project director for the Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative: Learning Assistants (2009–2016), director of STEM Teacher Recruitment (2014–2016), Initial Certification Secondary Mathematics Program Coordinator (2016), and MA Education General Option Program Coordinator (2010–2014). He chaired the Personnel and Student Appeals Committee (2011–2013) and Graduate Programs Committee (Spring 2009–Spring 2011), served on the Academic Senate (2011–2013), University Curriculum Committee (2010–2012), and Institutional Review Board (2009–2011). Lawler contributed to an NSF grant awarding $1.2 million to CSUSM for cultivating STEM teachers. Major awards include the Graduate School Dissertation Fellowship from the University of Georgia (2005–2006) and University-wide Assistantship (2000–2003).