Robert Berry Named to National Academy of Education

Robert Q. Berry III, the Samuel Braley Gray Professor of Mathematics Education and the associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development, has been named to the National Academy of Education. 

Founded in 1965, the academy elects members annually based on scholarship related to education. The academy selected Berry this year alongside 16 other leading researchers and educators. 

“This is a fitting honor for Robert Berry, whose contributions to mathematics education and education equity are world-class,” UVA President Jim Ryan said. “But more importantly, his work has improved the lives of countless learners, in part because of his conviction that there is joy to be found in learning and that natural curiosity should be nurtured. I’ve long been an admirer of Robert’s work, and I’m delighted that he has been recognized by the National Academy.” 

A member of the UVA faculty since 2005, Berry teaches mathematics methods and graduate-level courses in the School of Education and Human Development. His scholarship and research are focused on equity issues in mathematics education. Among other topics, Berry is a leading expert on connecting mathematics education to social justice issues and helping students find joy in mathematics. 

In 2020, he was appointed the school’s associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion.  

“Robert’s membership in the National Academy of Education is truly a sign of his extraordinary stature and influence in the field of mathematics education and more broadly as a scholar-leader,” Bob Pianta, dean of the School of Education and Human Development, said. “Nationally, Robert is exceptionally well respected as a leader, scholar and thinker, and I know I speak for all of us at the School of Education and Human Development, and the University, in expressing our sense of good fortune in having him part of our community.” 

“I am honored to be elected to the National Academy of Education,” Berry said. “The Academy is a distinguished group of scholars, and the 2022 cohort I am part of is an incredible group. I marvel that I am included among them.” 

Berry credited his colleagues and experiences at UVA for shaping his development as a teacher and researcher. “Several colleagues within the School of Education and Human Development have been influential early in my academic career,” he said. “I honestly believe that the things I learned from my colleagues propelled me as a scholar.” 

Berry has served in a variety of leadership positions, including as past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the world’s largest mathematics education organization. He has published more than 100 articles, book chapters and proceedings, and is a two-time recipient of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Linking Research and Practice Publication Award. He was recognized as the 2011 Mathematics Educator of the Year by the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics and received UVA’s All-University Teaching Award in 2011.