LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 19, 2026) — A new book by University of Kentucky College of Education faculty member Jonathan Thomas explores how connecting elementary math to everyday human values can deepen student learning and engagement. “For a long time, I have been concerned that mathematics teaching, especially at the elementary level, was less engaging than it could be,” said Thomas, Ed.D., professor of mathematics education and acting chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning.