Spring 2025 Graduate: Mari Turner

Name: Mari Turner

Current job: 8th grade math and math 1 teacher in Lenoir County

Major/Degree Program: Master’s of Mathematics Education – Middle Grades

Hometown/Current City: Albertson, NC

Hobbies/interests: Reading

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU? My favorite aspect of my Master of Mathematics Education program has been honing the skills to design and conduct rigorous, classroom‑based research — and to document, analyze, and share that work in ways that advance equitable practice across the field.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I find great beauty in the way math is connected and elegant, and my goal is to share that excitement with my students. In my classroom, I focus on hands-on activities and engaging questions, rather than just memorizing facts. I want students to discover the patterns and stories that math has to offer. By encouraging them to think critically and make their own connections, I hope to help them not only understand math on a deeper level but also appreciate its beauty and importance in our world.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here? Dr. Adu-Gyamfi has been a pivotal influence throughout my graduate studies at East Carolina University (ECU). His mentorship challenged me to see myself not merely as a classroom teacher, but as a leader in the broader mathematics education community. Under his guidance I have stepped beyond my comfort zone — securing grants that expand learning opportunities for my students, designing and conducting classroom‑based research, and forging connections with colleagues nationwide through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. His example continues to shape my commitment to innovative, equity-focused practice and to making meaningful contributions to the field.

What’s next after graduation? I aspire to earn National Board Certification, contribute to the mathematics education discourse through peer‑reviewed publications, and — should the opportunity align with my long‑term goals — pursue a doctoral degree in education.

What advice would you give to future College of Education students? Treat assignments as prototypes for lessons, action‑research cycles, or grant proposals you can implement tomorrow. When theory meets practice immediately, the learning sticks — and you walk away with ready‑to‑use toolkits.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?) The program has helped me further develop my content-specific pedagogy and gain more confidence in my abilities as a leader and researcher in the field of mathematics education.

From Dr. Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (associate professor in mathematics education): Academically, Mari Turner has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance. Notably, she achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. Furthermore, she was honored as the Woodington Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 academic year, a testament to her dedication and effectiveness in the classroom. Her students have consistently surpassed expected growth benchmarks in EVAAS, achieving the highest results within the district and placing her within the top 25% statewide. Additionally, she contributed significantly to the development of district-wide pacing and curriculum guides for Lenoir County Public Schools (2019-2024). She also led a district-wide workshop focused on the effective integration of Desmos Testing Calculators and Desmos Classroom Activities, showcasing her expertise and commitment to improving instructional practices.”