Jose D Fonseca

Biography

Jose D. Fonseca is a mathematics instructor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Arizona. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, he moved to the University of Arizona in 1993, where he earned his Master’s Degree in 1995, specializing in Multicultural Math Education. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Teaching Methods from La Universidad de Guerrero, Mexico, along with studies in Civil Engineering and Architectural Drafting.

With over 47 years of teaching experience, Professor Fonseca has taught across a variety of educational settings, including public schools, colleges, and universities, working with students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. At the University of Arizona, he has taught a wide range of mathematics courses, including Math 106, Math 108, Math 111, Math 112, Math 116, Math 125, Math 205, Math 310, Math 302A/B/E, Math 406B, and Math 494C.

Beyond teaching, he has actively contributed to research projects focused on the social and cultural factors influencing mathematics education, including the Bridge Project and MAAPS. He has also worked extensively with teachers, schools, districts, and organizations to promote equity in education and support students' transition from high school to college. Notably, through his involvement in the GEAR UP Project, he worked with a cohort of approximately 3,500 students, helping them aspire, plan, and apply for college, with a strong emphasis on college mathematics preparation.

Professor Fonseca remains deeply committed to collaborative educational initiatives, particularly in math education programs at the University of Arizona. He actively contributes to Algebra Academy and CAP (Early Academic Outreach), as well as interdisciplinary programs such as the 4-H STEM Program (School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences), Upward Bound-TRIO Program (The College of Education), and the Med-Start Program (Outreach & Recruitment for Med-Start Health Careers). Through these initiatives, he continues to advocate for STEM education accessibility, empowering students from all backgrounds to succeed in mathematics and beyond.

Degrees

• M.A. Math Education
• The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
• B.S.E. Mathematics
• The University of Guerrero, Mexico, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico, Guerrero, Mexico
• El movimiento y la graficacion de funciones como recursos heuristicos en la formacion de los conceptos de calculo.

Awards

• Departmental Honor - Outstanding Achievement for 2023-2024
• 2024 School of Mathematics Sciences, Spring 2024