Brooke Istas has a range of experience in the field of mathematics education. Brooke began their career in 2005 as a part-time faculty member at Cowley College, where they developed syllabi, facilitated online discussions, and managed grades. From 2006 to 2014, they served as the Adult Education Instructional Coordinator and Math Instructor at Cowley College, overseeing adult education programs and teaching math. In 2014, they transitioned to the role of Mathematics Faculty at Cowley College, where they continued to teach and contribute to the development of the curriculum. In 2017, they were promoted to the role of Lead Mathematics Faculty at Cowley College.
In addition to their work at Cowley College, Istas has also been involved in various roles at external organizations. From 2010 onwards, they have been involved with the U.S. Department of Education - Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, LINCS, serving as a National Trainer, Community of Practice Math and Numeracy Group Leader and Subject Matter Expert, and LINCS Resource Collection Reviewer. Brooke currently provides training for educators on topics related to adult numeracy and mathematics. In 2013, they worked as a Subject Matter Expert in Science at the American Institutes for Research, where they provided input for a grant and facilitated online training for open education science resources.
Earlier in their career, Istas also worked as a part-time faculty member at Butler Community College from 2005 to 2006, teaching math courses and handling administrative tasks.
Throughout their career, Istas has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and a passion for mathematics instruction.
Brooke Istas has an extensive education history. Brooke obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Adult Mathematics/Numeracy Education from Southern Methodist University, where they studied from 2018 to 2023. Prior to this, they earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching with an emphasis on Adult Numeracy/Mathematics from Kansas State University, where they attended from 2015 to 2018.
Before pursuing their master's degree, Brooke Istas completed a Master of Science (M.S.) program in Organizational Leadership from Southwestern College, from 2006 to 2008. Brooke also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mathematics and Physics from the same institution, where they studied from 2002 to 2005.
In addition to their academic degrees, Brooke Istas has obtained several certifications. These include a Social and Behavioral Research certification from the CITI Program, obtained in July 2021. Brooke also received a certification in 2020 Blackboard Essentials from Cowley College in September 2020. Furthermore, they completed the Peer Reviewer Course from QM Quality Matters in February 2015. There are also records indicating participation in the Summer Symposium 2020 at Cowley College, though the exact month and year of these certifications were not provided.
January, 2013 - present