For more than four decades, Dr. Paul Shoecraft has dedicated his career to helping children understand mathematics—not through rote memorization, but through meaningful learning, reasoning, and hands-on discovery. His work has inspired educators, influenced classrooms, and challenged traditional approaches to arithmetic instruction.

       Dr. Paul Shoecraft, Ph.D., is an accomplished mathematician, educator, and author whose career has spanned universities, public schools, teacher training programs, and international educational initiatives.

He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Michigan and has taught mathematics and mathematics education at leading institutions throughout the United States and Australia. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to one mission:

"Helping every child understand mathematics with confidence. "

This passion led him to develop innovative teaching methods that replace rote memorization with understanding, making mathematics more engaging and accessible for learners of all abilities.

• Ph.D. in Mathematics Education — University of Michigan (1971)
• M.S. in Mathematics — Northern Arizona University (1967)
• B.A. in Business — Thunderbird School of International Management Glendale, Arizona (1964)
• B.A. in Education — Arizona State University Tempe (1963)

• Certified to Teach the K–8 Texas Mathematics Modules — Texas Education Agency (1989)
• Trained in the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) — University of Texas at Austin (1988)
• School Administration and Supervision Training — California State University, Hayward (1986)

Dr. Shoecraft has served as a Professor of Mathematics Education and mathematics instructor at numerous colleges and universities, including:

• Saint Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas (2011–2012)
• University of Houston – Main Campus, Houston, Texas (1998–2003)
• University of Houston–Victoria, Victoria, Texas (1986–1998)
• California State University, Hayward (1984–1985)
• Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado (1981–1984)
• University of Maine, Farmington (1976–1978
• Arizona State University, Tempe (1973–1976)
• State University of New York (1984–1985)
• Churchlands College of Advanced Education, Perth, Western Australia (1979–1980)
• State University of New York, Oneonta (1971–1972)

Before joining higher education full-time, Dr. Shoecraft taught mathematics at the elementary, secondary, and specialized education levels, giving him firsthand insight into how students learn throughout their academic journey.

One of Dr. Shoecraft's most significant contributions to mathematics education is MOVE IT Math™, a professional development program designed to help elementary teachers teach arithmetic through understanding rather than memorization.

The program has:

• Been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Promising Practice (1994 & 1995)
• Been implemented in multiple U.S. states
• Reached nearly 60,000 students through Project GRAD
• Been translated into Spanish for educational use in South America

Its activities combine movement, games, songs, manipulatives, and conceptual learning to help children develop lasting mathematical understanding.

Dr. Shoecraft has written numerous books and educational materials for teachers, parents, and students, including:

• Arithmetic Counts!
• The Mad Minute (More than 250,000 copies sold worldwide)
• Mad Minute Primer
• Math Games & Activities (Volumes 1 & 2)
• Basic Mathematics: A Blueprint for Success
• Patterns and Systems of Elementary Mathematics
• Think Links educational series
• Multiple MOVE IT Math™ instructional resources

His publications have helped educators rethink how arithmetic is introduced and taught in classrooms.

As Director of the Mathematics Education Initiative at the University of Houston System (1987–2003), Dr. Paul Shoecraft oversaw educational initiatives supported by more than $3 million in private grants, EESA/Eisenhower funding, and state appropriations. These resources enabled graduate-level MOVE IT Math™ professional development for as many as 600 teachers each year, expanding access to innovative mathematics instruction.

His leadership focused on equipping educators with practical, understanding-based teaching strategies that help children build lasting confidence in mathematics.

Dr. Shoecraft's educational programs have been recognized by educators, school districts, and educational leaders for improving mathematics learning through active participation and conceptual understanding.

His work continues to inspire teachers seeking practical, research-informed approaches that help children build confidence and succeed in mathematics.

Interested in learning more about Dr. Paul Shoecraft's professional accomplishments? Download his complete Curriculum Vitae for a detailed overview of his education, teaching career, research, publications, grants, and contributions to mathematics education