Continuing Terry Wood’s legacy of theory informing practice: Inspiring new teachers

Abstract

ABSTRACT As a prospective mathematics teacher, the most inspiring observation I, Audrey, the first author, made about Terry Wood, from those who spoke at the May 2021 Memorial Event, was her passion for mathematics education as evidenced by the intermingling of her work and personal life. From the colleagues whom she invited to live in her home to the teachers she collaborated with to her son speaking of the ways his children’s grandma watched them become mathematics learners, it was clear that both her personal and professional life was dedicated to the field. The community that Terry created, inspired, and impacted is one that boldly and critically reflects on traditional methods, contributing to practical and lasting changes in the field. In particular, her work with social norms in the mathematics classroom and processes of argumentation inspires new teachers like me to embrace her ideas and vision and move them over the horizon, to see the field shift in positive directions and turn theories into practice.