Professor Jill Adler

Professor Jillian Adler’s recent research addresses the substantive research question of whether and how a professional development intervention with mathematics teachers could impact the quality of teaching and learning in previously disadvantaged secondary schools. As a Professor of Mathematics Education and a past Chairholder of the SARChI Chair in Mathematics Education (2010-2019) at the University of Witwatersrand, her pioneering research over three decades has made a positive impact, particularly her work on language diversity and resources in mathematics classrooms.

Prof Adler obtained her BSc (Mathematics), Master’s (Adult Education) and PhD (Mathematics Education) degrees from WITS as well and a Secondary Teaching Diploma from UCT. She began her career as a secondary school mathematics teachers, and following her Master’s she took up an academic position at WITS and has held mathematics education Chairs and professorships both locally and internationally. Since 2015, she has published over 25 articles in refereed/peer-reviewed journals, one book and numerous book chapters. She was President of the International Commission on Mathematics Instruction (ICMI) 2017-2020. Her accolades in this period include the ICMI 2015 Hans Freudenthal Medal, and the 2023 NRF Lifetime Achievers Award.