Dr. Judy Larsen (she/her) is a dedicated educator committed to improving teaching and learning practices through Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC). Her passion for BTC began in 2011 during her graduate studies, during which she completed her Master of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education in 2013 and her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 2019, both under Peter Liljedahl’s supervision. Throughout her academic journey, Judy collaborated extensively with Peter, assisting in countless BTC professional development workshops and exploring effective strategies for sustainable mathematics teacher learning. Alongside her studies, she implemented BTC practices with pre-service teachers, adult learners, and in collaborative lessons with K-12 schools.

As an associate professor at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Judy integrates BTC principles into her mathematics and mathematics education courses. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and the Teaching Excellence Award at UFV. Beyond UFV, Judy delivers BTC talks and workshops across Canada and abroad, catering to both K-12 and post-secondary educators. Her commitment to BTC stems from its profound impact on engaging learners, promoting inclusivity, and reshaping mathematics education narratives.

As a researcher and practitioner, Judy specializes in exploring learner experiences with mathematics, exploring possibilities for decolonizing mathematics classrooms, and designing effective teacher professional learning opportunities. Her expertise is enriched by extensive collaboration with Peter, immersive K-12 experiences, and bridging theory and practice across educational contexts.

 

Judy continually advances her role as an educator and leader, customizing workshops and presentations to cater to various needs and themes, driven by her belief in the transformative power of BTC.