Hetal Patel has been an instructional leader where she supported District-wide mathematics instruction through professional learning and coaching. Additionally, she was an Assistant Principal, a school-based mathematics coach and a math intervention teacher. In prior years, she facilitated several of the Developing Mathematical Ideas modules at Mount Holyoke College and other parts of the U.S. Her professional interests include using Japanese Lesson Study to build professional learning communities, learning more about equity and developing identity in math education, and cultivating curiosity and joy in mathematics teaching and learning.