Sang Moo Lee
Mathematics & computer science educator and mathematics education researcher specializing in critical thinking in mathematics classrooms, inquiry-based learning, equity-oriented pedagogy, assessment design, and technology-enhanced instruction.
Over 10 years of teaching experience across Grades 7–12 mathematics and computer science, plus post-secondary instructional experience in blended and online learning environments. Recognized for innovative STEM pedagogy (Prime Minister’s STEM Teaching Certificate of Achievement; Rosenthal Prize Finalist).
Teaching
I use inquiry-based instruction and differentiated entry points, grounded in Ontario curriculum and assessment for/as/of learning, with UDL principles and culturally responsive tasks.
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Secondary STEM Educator - The Linden School (Grades 7-12)Wikipedia
Designed and taught 60+ STEM courses (e.g., MHF4U, MCV4U, MCR3U, MPM2D, MTH1W, ICS2O/ICS3U/ICS4U; Grades 7–8 math). Integrated Desmos, GeoGebra, Python, and JavaScript through interdisciplinary, real-world projects and ministry-aligned assessment.
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Teaching portfolio artifacts
Add: teaching philosophy, sample lesson plans, assessments/rubrics, anonymized student work, reflective memos, and student feedback summaries.
Classroom Innovation Highlights
Selected projects demonstrating interdisciplinary design, authentic problem-solving, and student-facing impact.
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Romans in Cyberspace
Students combined storytelling, history, and computer science to build an educational game, strengthening design thinking, collaboration, and computational creativity.
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Student-built scheduling / timetabling prototype
Senior students developed an app prototype to address a real school scheduling need, working through iterative design, data structures, and user feedback.
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Economics & justice inquiry culminating in a public fair
Students investigated contemporary economic issues (e.g., inflation, tariffs, inequality) using mathematical tools and shared findings with families/community members through a student-led exhibition.
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AI-enabled projects in CS classrooms
Students explored AI concepts through hands-on builds (e.g., object detection games), connecting technical skill to critical reflection about technology’s role in society.
Research / Scholarship
Mathematics education research specializing in the development of critical thinking in mathematics classrooms, bridging classroom practice and research.
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PhD (ABD) - University of Toronto (OISE)
Thesis: Conceptualizing Critical Thinking in Math Classrooms.
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Methods & strengths
Qualitative case study methodology; semi-structured interviewing and thematic coding; ethics protocol development; classroom design and assessment frameworks supporting metacognition, discourse, and conceptual reasoning.
Research Agenda
My scholarship focuses on how critical thinking is conceptualized, taught, and evidenced in mathematics classrooms. Especially in contexts shaped by emerging technologies and shifting social/economic realities.
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Theme 1: Conceptualizing critical thinking in mathematics
I examine how teachers interpret “critical thinking” in mathematics, and what counts as evidence of critical thinking in classroom discourse, tasks, and assessment.
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Theme 2: Assessment & pedagogy for reasoning, discourse, and metacognition
I design and refine learning environments that promote explanation, justification, critique, and reflection—using assessment for/as/of learning, UDL, and structured classroom talk routines.
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Theme 3: AI, real-world contexts, and justice-oriented mathematical inquiry
I explore how AI and real-world economic events can be used as catalysts for mathematical inquiry, helping students connect quantitative reasoning to ethical and civic questions.
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Current study
Ongoing doctoral research using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to understand how Ontario mathematics teachers conceptualize critical thinking and enact it in practice.
Post-secondary & Other Experience
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Post-Secondary Instructor - Mohawk College
Web development instructor and blended learning curriculum designer. Designed and taught JavaScript and MERN-based courses using Canvas LMS; integrated authentic project-based tasks and UDL; earned 3.9/4.0 student satisfaction in formal evaluations; invited to teach extra courses and develop content.
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Undergraduate Physics Teaching Assistant - University of Toronto
Facilitated tutorials and inquiry-based problem-solving; supported first-year transition through formative feedback.
Publications
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Turning Economic Events into Pedagogy
Practitioner scholarship connecting contemporary economic events to mathematics learning and critical thinking.
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Guilty Teacher
Manuscript exploring reflective practice and teacher identity.
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Problems to Ponder
Problem set / pedagogical contribution.
Talks & Conference Presentations
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Male Educator’s Perspective in All-Girls Schools
Conference presentation on gender, schooling contexts, and reflective teaching practice.
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Critical Thinking in Mathematics Classrooms
Conceptualizing Critical Thinking in Math Classrooms.
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Romans in Cyberspace: Interdisciplinary Storytelling Through Video Game Development
Interdisciplinary project-based learning through game development (co-authored).
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From Tariffs to Social Justice Advocacy: Mathematics as a Tool for Student Action Proposal
Workshop on developing student inquiry projects connected to real-world economic events in mathematics classrooms.
Press & External Recognition
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Toronto Life - “The Linden School: Champions for Change”
Feature on The Linden School’s changemaker initiatives and student community projects, including TTC contest-winning work connected to accessibility and multilingual design.
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Toronto.com - “9 Toronto teachers win Prime Minister's Award”
Coverage recognizing Sang Moo Lee of The Linden School for receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM.
Independent profile highlighting The Linden School’s STEM programming and global-change orientation, providing context for project-based and interdisciplinary teaching initiatives.
Service & Leadership
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Peer Reviewer - NCTM (Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching)
Manuscript peer review as academic and professional service.
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Associate Teacher - Master of Teaching (OISE)
Mentored and supervised teacher candidates during practicum placements; modeled inquiry-based, equity-oriented mathematics instruction; provided formative and summative feedback; collaborated with faculty advisors.
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Additional contributions
Basketball coach, yearbook supervisor, tutoring (COVID support), EQAO scorer, resource development.
Invited Talks & Workshops
Available for invited talks, faculty seminars, conference workshops, and PD sessions (K–12, teacher education, and higher education).
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Common workshop topics
• Critical thinking in mathematics: definitions, indicators, and task design
• Assessment for reasoning: feedback, rubrics, and classroom discourse
• AI and mathematics education: opportunities, risks, and literacy
• Justice-oriented math inquiry using current economic events -
To invite me
Email: sangmoo.lee@mail.utoronto.ca
Include: audience, format (talk/workshop), length, date range, and goals.
Contact
For teaching stream / lecturer opportunities, invited talks, workshops, or collaborations:
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Email
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CV