Meet Dr. Flake

I am a nationally recognized scholar in mathematics and STEM education, equity, and teacher preparation. My research examines how educational systems shape participation, power, and belonging in mathematics and STEM learning and leadership environments. My work is designed to support every learner, educator, and leader.

With over 25 years in the education community, I have served as a mathematics and science educator, school and district instructional leader, and higher education faculty member and program director. In addition to my expertise in cultural identity and equity, I am a strategic leader who has designed and led multiple large-scale initiatives focused on instructional improvement, educator development, and organizational change.

My work began in K–12 classrooms and educator preparation programs. Today, I shape how institutions design learning, leadership, and teacher preparation across local and national contexts.

I have led and launched educator preparation programs across multiple states, supported districts and institutions of higher education in rethinking mathematics and STEM learning through cultural identity, and partnered with national organizations to advance belonging and agency as design priorities, not add-ons.

Institutions work with me when they are ready to move beyond equity language and toward pathways that actually function for students, educators, and leaders.

Areas of Expertise

  • I empower K-12 schools, districts, institutions of higher education, and organizations to center a research-based model in learning and leadership to advance every learner.

  • I work with universities and school districts from strategic planning through the implementation of educator preparation programs, including alternative-route and apprenticeship models.

  • I partner with educators and leaders to design mathematics and STEM professional learning experiences that are accessible and responsive to the needs of all learners.

  • I support K–12 and higher education leaders in advancing more humanizing leadership practices that align instructional priorities, professional learning, and institutional structures with the needs of learners and educators.

I regularly lead topics such as:

  • Operationalizing the Identity Belonging Agency (IBA) and Four Dimensions of Cultural Identity Frameworks

  • Designing Mathematics, Science, and STEM Learning that Works for Every Learner

  • Preparing Teachers for the Classroom They Will Actually Enter

  • Inclusive Teaching Mindsets That Advance Instructional Coaching

  • Strategic Planning, Systems, and Sustainable Growth for Educator Preparation

“Create Belonging in STEM Through Cultural Identity”

Listen to NCSM’s podcast, where Dr. Flake is a guest speaker on their series, Everyone Belongs in Math.

My Publications

  • Corwin Press

    Purchase this book.

  • Purchase this book.

  • Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies

    Read this article.

  • The Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching

    Read this article.

  • ProQuest

    Read my dissertation.

  • Visit my TPT store.