Dr. Laurie James is a Professor of Math Education at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, where she teaches mathematics courses in the Education Division. Originally from the Seattle, Washington area, Dr. James brings over 20 years of experience in the public school system and spent a decade teaching education courses at Western Washington University. Since joining the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu in August 2016, she has also served as a facilitator for the Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawaiʻi (MaTCH). This group meets monthly to collaboratively solve mathematical problems and identify potential areas of difficulty for students in learning math concepts.
Doctor of Education: Instructional Leadership and Educational Technology
Argosy University, Seattle, Washington, 2006
Master of Education: Educational Technology
City University, Bellevue, Washington, 1995
Bachelor of Arts in Education: Continuing Teacher
Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington, 1991
2025-Present: Professor of Mathematics for the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu
2021-2025: Associate Professor of Mathematics for the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu
2016-2021: Assistant Professor of Mathematics for the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu
2006-2016: Instructor for Western Washington University
2001-2013: Online Instructor and Site Supervisor for the Teacher Education Program - University of Phoenix
- EDEE 462 Elementary Math Methods
- EDEE 464 Elementary Science Methods
- EDEE 466 Math and Science Practicum with Seminar: Block 3
- MATH 111 Math for Elementary School Teacher I
- EDML 438 Middle Level Math Methods
- EDSE 437 Secondary Math Methods
- EDML 440 Practicum with Seminar: Block 2
- EDEE 490 Student Teaching
- EDEE 492 Student Teaching Seminar
- SPED 490 Inclusive Student Teaching
James, L. (2023). Desired Traits of Preservice Teachers for the Math Classroom. Proceedings of the Canada International Conference on Education 2023. Toronto, Canada: (59-61). DOI: 10.20533/CICE.2023.0019
Liu, V. & James, L. (2021). Dots Explode in Hawai‘i. Journal of Math Circles, 2(1) 48-82.
James, L., Mahiko, J. & Schwartz, J. (2020). Why Principals Hire Recent Graduates from a Teacher Preparation Program. Teaching and Teacher Education. Journal of Education Leadership in Action, 7(1).
James, L. (2020). Pop-Up PD: Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawai‘i at UH-West O‘ahu. Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics Newsletter: January 2020.
James, L. (2019). Exploring Game Theory that Embraces Student Engagement and Productive Learning in Math. Proceedings of the 2019 Pacific-basin STEAM Teaching Conference. Hilo, HI: Pono, (27-35).
James, L. & Apo, A. (2018). Middle School Math Teachers as a Facilitator. International Journal of Education and Social Science Research. International Journal of Education and Social Science Research, 1(2).
James, L. (2017). Implementing Sustainability through Student Engagement and Authentic Mathematical Practices. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 17(9).
James, L. (2016). Mathematics Awareness through Technology, Teamwork, Engagement, and Rigor. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 5(2).
James, L. (2016). Facilitating Conservation Education and Lasting Change at a Title I Elementary School. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 8(3).
James, L. (2014). The Integration of a Computer-Based Reading Program to Increase English Language Learners’ Literacy Skills. Teaching English with Technology, 14(1), 9-22.
What Makes Math so Fun: Brain Teasers - Washington College Mathematics Conference, Wenatchee, May 2025
Building Confidence through Inquiry, Research, Community Leadership, and Engagement - Joint Mathematics Meetings, Seattle, January 2025
Building Confidence through Student Engagement in a Math Festival - Northwest Mathematics Conference, Whistler, BC, October 2024
Building Confidence in Mathematics through Inquiry and Engagement - Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Corvallis, August 2024
Building Confidence through Mathematical Discourse - Mathematical Association of America, Anchorage, June 2024
Making Math a Festival: Student Engagement - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Seattle, February 2024
Building Confidence in Mathematics through Productive Participation - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Seattle, February 2024
Preservice Teachers Need Soft Skills in a Math Classroom - Hawaii International Conference on Education, Hawaii Island, January 2024
Effective Activities to Engage Students in the Math Classroom - Northwest Mathematics Conference, Portland, October 2023
Desired Traits of Preservice Teachers for the Math Classroom - Canada International Conference on Education Conference, Toronto, June 2023
Using Brain Teasers to Engage Students in the Math Classroom - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference, Honolulu, April 2023
Developing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Math - Research Council on Mathematics Learning (RCML), Las Vegas, March 2023
Broadening Engagement, Participation, and Readiness in Mathematics - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Los Angeles, October 2022
Math Teacher Candidates have an Open-door to the Outside Classroom - Mathematical Association of America (MMA) MathFest, Philadelphia, August 2022
Broadening Engagement, Participation, and Readiness in Mathematics - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Los Angeles, October 2022
Math Teacher Candidates have an Open-door to the Outside Classroom – Mathematical Association of America (MMA) MathFest, Philadelphia, August 2022
Mathematical Perseverance: Brain Teasers - Washington College Mathematics Virtual Conference, Washington, April 2021
Mathematical Magic for All Students - Washington College Mathematics Virtual Conference, Washington, April 2021
Modeling Strategies to Integrate Hands-on Activities Creating an Inclusive Environment - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Virtual Conference, Dallas, February 2021
Problems to Ponder: Implementation in Multiple Content Areas - Field Experience Summer Institute at UHWO, Kapolei, July 2020
Simple Mathematical Magic for Middle School - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Honolulu, February 2020
Learning the Secret to Win at Nim: Game Theory - Pacific-Basin STEAM Teaching Conference, Kona, September 2019
Locking Legos Machine to Life-size Manipulatives: Activities for Elementary Students - Pacific-Basin STEAM Teaching Conference, Kona, September 2019
A Mathematical Journey of Dots - Pacific-Basin STEAM Teaching Conference, Kona, September 2019
Secret Mathematical Strategy to WIN at NIM - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Honolulu, September 2019
Computing the Winning Strategy for Nim: Math Teachers’ Circle - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, San Diego, April 2019
Fundamental Concept in Mathematics: Computing the Winning Strategy of NIM - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of MathematiMiddle-Level, February 2019
Data and Panel Discussion Group: Courses that transition students to college - Hawai‘i P-20 Math Summit, Kapolei, November 2018
Engagement through Productive Mathematical Problem-Solving - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Honolulu, September 2018
Implementing Sustainability using Mathematical Practices - Grand Challenges Summer Institute, Honolulu, May 2018
The Geometry of SET - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Washington DC, April 2018
Technology to Advance Math Learning - Association for Middle Level Education Summit, Honolulu, February 2018
Increase Student Engagement by Using Outdoor Teaching Spaces - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Honolulu, January 2018
Going Beyond Exploding Dots: Using Hands-On Activities for Student Engagement - Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Honolulu, January 2018
Using Technology in Your Math Classroom: An Active Learning Approach - Hawai‘i P-20 Math Summit, Kapolei, November 2017
Mathematics Awareness through Technology, Teamwork, Engagement, and Rigor - Hawai‘i International Conference on Education, Honolulu, January 2017
Supporting Education through Environmental Discoveries - Hawai‘i International Conference on Education, Honolulu, January 2017
Awards and Honors
2022, Board of Regents' Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Hawai‘i
2021, Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, University of Hawai‘i