Mathematics & Statistics

Mathematics & Statistics

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Daryl L Stephens

Associate Chair, Associate Professor

Education

BS in Ed Elementary Education (math minor); M.Ed. in Public School Administration; M.S.in Mathematics; Ph.D. in Education

Biography

As an undergraduate elementary major, I had to take a course like our MATH 1410. I didn't find it at all difficult, but when students in the class complained about it being difficult, and the professor came in every day saying there was a shortage of math teachers, I decided to make math my teaching field to increase my employment chances. After a teaching career in public schools in Texas  and a one-year stint as a full-time temporary instructor at a community college in Georgia, I answered an ad for a position in what was then the Division of Developmental Studies here.  I was offered a position here and at two other institutions, but this seemed like the best situation with the nicest people and the prettiest campus. 

I sing in a community choir (The Civic Chorale) and serve as their board secretary. At my church, I sing in the adult choir and play in the handbell choir. For several years there I directed the elementary and middle school handbell choirs until Covid came about, and even wrote some (as yet unpublished) music for them. For 2027-2028, I will be the handbell area coordinator of a national event called Music and Worship Arts Week. 

Typical Course Load:

  • Number Concepts for Teachers
  • Geometry Concepts for Teachers
  • Teaching Secondary Math

Research Interests & Publications:

Interests: As a legacy developmental studies (learning support) faculty member, research isn't typically part of my workload. Given some time, though, I'm interested in preservice teachers' understanding of types of word problems, and I will be working with Dr. Gardner investigating the numeration system proposed by Sequoyah for the Cherokee tribe. 

  • Stephens, D. (2003). Pathways through history: underprepared students go to college. In I. Duranczyk and W. White, eds., Developmental education: Pathways to excellence. 2003 Monograph of the National Association for Developmental Education, pp. 15-37. Findlay, OH: National Association for Developmental Education. 

http://faculty.etsu.edu/stephen/