Exploring the pedagogical practices of seasoned elementary mathematics teachers and connections with their content knowledge and beliefs

This inquiry examined the pedagogical practices in mathematics of elementary teachers (N = 27) who had been identified as experienced and successful and were working in an urban school district with underserved student populations. Also investigated were relationships between their instructional practices and other elements of proficient teaching of mathematics, including specialized content knowledge and beliefs. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a knowledge assessment, belief surveys, classroom observations, and individual interviews. The findings related to learner-centered, equitable mathematics instruction reveal a mixed picture of understanding and enactment by the participants, illuminating variability and complexity, especially within the context of a standardized model for instructional delivery. Participants expressed constraints in implementing learner-centered, equitable mathematics instruction, particularly: prescribed, scripted lesson plans; teaching roles that involved instruction of many students thus contributing to lack of familiarity; and a mix of learners who were in-class and remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results also demonstrate that pedagogical practices were shaped by participants' specialized content knowledge and to a more limited extent their beliefs. These data further reveal mixed endorsements of the different belief constructs. Considerations for teacher development are discussed.