Beatriz Sánchez Barbero

Background

I hold both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics from the University of Salamanca. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teacher Training (specialising in Mathematics) from the University of Salamanca, as well as a Master’s Degree in Research on the Teaching and Learning of Social Sciences, Experimental Sciences, and Mathematics, specialising in Mathematics Education, from the University of Huelva. I earned my PhD in Education from the University of Salamanca. My postgraduate training in Mathematics Education and Educational Sciences has been further enriched through continuous participation in numerous courses, seminars, and international conferences focused on innovative teaching methodologies and educational resources for mathematics classrooms.

For the past twelve years, I have taught at the University of Salamanca while also gaining teaching experience in blended-learning and online universities, always within the field of Mathematics Education. Prior to joining higher education, I taught Mathematics in secondary schools and Mathematical Competence in correctional institutions and juvenile detention centres.

My teaching activities have primarily focused on undergraduate and master’s programmes for pre-service and in-service teacher education. My teaching excellence has been recognised through the award of two five-year teaching merit evaluations (quinquenios), the Vicente Corselas Education Award (2015), and the distinction of Best Lecturer in the Primary Education Degree programme for two consecutive academic years.

Throughout my academic career, I have maintained a strong commitment to educational innovation. I have led and participated in numerous Teaching Innovation Projects focused on active learning methodologies, mathematical problem solving, mathematical modelling, manipulative and digital resources, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, interdisciplinary teaching, and Service-Learning. These initiatives have resulted in the development of teaching materials, open educational resources, scientific publications, and knowledge-transfer activities directly implemented in teacher education programmes and disseminated through academic conferences and public engagement initiatives.

My research focuses on Mathematics Education, with particular emphasis on mathematics teacher education, problem solving, mathematical creativity, classroom interaction, inclusive education, and Service-Learning. I have been awarded one six-year national research evaluation period (sexenio de investigación, 2015–2020), complemented by numerous scientific articles and book chapters published subsequently. I have participated in regional, national, and European competitive research projects and currently serve as Principal Investigator of a competitive research project funded by the University of Salamanca.

My research activities are carried out within the Mathematics Education Research Group (GIR) at the University of Salamanca, the International Group on Metacognition (GIM), and as Coordinator of the Knowledge Transfer Group Education from an Integrative Perspective, where I promote interdisciplinary collaboration across different fields of knowledge.

My commitment to knowledge transfer is reflected in collaborative projects developed with social organisations such as Fundación Personas, ONCE, autism support organisations, the Spanish Red Cross, and correctional institutions. Through these partnerships, I seek to strengthen the relationship between universities and society by promoting Service-Learning initiatives, inclusive educational resources, and science communication activities. At the same time, I actively participate in national and international conferences, research networks, peer review for scientific journals, and continuing professional development programmes for teachers.

In the area of academic leadership and university management, I currently serve as Coordinator of the Practicum and the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education at the Faculty of Education in Zamora, University of Salamanca, while also serving on several academic committees. Previously, I held the positions of Deputy Head and later Academic Secretary of the Department of Mathematics Education and Experimental Sciences.

Overall, my academic career reflects a well-established university profile built upon the integration of teaching, research, educational innovation, knowledge transfer, and academic leadership. My work is driven by a strong commitment to improving teacher education and advancing Mathematics Education through interdisciplinary, inclusive, and socially engaged approaches.