Margaret (Peg) S. Smith

Margaret (Peg) S. Smith is a Professor Emerita of Mathematics Education at the University of Pittsburgh, where for more than three decades she has focused on developing research‑based professional development materials for mathematics teachers. She is widely recognized for her work on the pedagogical framework known as the five practices—anticipating, monitoring, selecting, sequencing, and connecting—to support productive mathematical discussions in classrooms. In April 2019 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Smith has authored or coauthored over 90 books, edited volumes, chapters, and peer‑reviewed articles in mathematics education. Her best‑known works include Five Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions (and its second edition) with Mary Kay Stein, and the The Five Practices in Practice series, including The Five Practices in Practice [High School]: Successfully Orchestrating Mathematics Discussions in Your High School Classroom, coauthored with Michael D. Steele and Miriam Gamoran Sherin. She also contributed to NCTM’s Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All and coauthored the Taking Action books for grades 6–8 and 9–12 that elaborate on effective mathematics teaching practices.