ÎÞÂëרÇø

Cassandra Hatfield serves as Associate Director of Research Operations for the Research in Mathematics Education (RME) unit at ÎÞÂëרÇø. She leads the operational strategy and management of multi-university research grants that advance mathematics teaching, intervention, and assessment for students and educators. Drawing on more than a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and instructional specialist, Cassandra brings deep expertise in curriculum development, assessment design, project management, and educator professional learning. She collaborates with multidisciplinary research teams to guide large-scale projects from concept through implementation, ensuring high-quality research products that support evidence-based instructional decision-making.

Throughout her work at ÎÞÂëרÇø, Cassandra has contributed to the design and development of innovative mathematics assessment systems, learning progressions, and digital instructional tools. She has helped lead the development of thousands of PK–8 mathematics assessment items and has supported projects that have expanded access to high-quality, research-based resources for schools and districts in Texas and beyond.

Cassandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University–Commerce, a Master of Education in Leadership of Learning from Abilene Christian University, and certifications in 4–8 Mathematics, K–12 Principalship, ESL, and Conflict Resolution. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at ÎÞÂëרÇø, where her dissertation examines the leadership practices of Texas middle school principals and their influence on students with dyslexia. Her broader research interests include improving mathematics outcomes through high-quality instruction, continuous progress monitoring through assessment, effective project leadership, and research-to-practice partnerships that strengthen teaching and learning.