Roberto Soto, Ph.D.

Roberto Soto, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics at Cal State Fullerton, is recognized for his national influence in promoting teaching practices that help close achievement gaps in math.

Soto led the creation of robust faculty professional development workshops that have resulted in improved student success in precalculus and calculus—courses with historic high failure rates. Soto's success at CSUF has earned him widespread attention, and he has been tapped to provide professional development workshops for math professors at several CSU campuses, as well as other universities across the country. His workshops help instructors transform their teaching practices to be more evidence-based and equity-oriented.

Feedback provided by faculty who have participated in these workshops are overwhelmingly positive, and findings from student focus group interviews strongly point to increased student confidence, interest and persistence in math, especially for Latinx students.

“I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this award. Dr. Soto's local and national leadership and approach to professional development are a model for all of us," says Chris Rasmussen, Ph.D., math professor at San Diego State University.