Alan Schoenfeld is the Elizabeth and Edward Conner Professor of Education and Affiliated Professor of Mathematics at the University of California at Berkeley. Schoenfeld obtained his Ph.D. in mathematics from Stanford in 1973. He is vice president of the National Academy of Education, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and past president of the American Educational Research Association.

Schoenfeld's research is on thinking, teaching, and learning, with an emphasis on mathematics. He is known for his book Mathematical Problem Solving. Schoenfeld was principal investigator for the Balanced Assessment project, which produced mathematics assessments consistent with Standards-based instruction. He has conducted detailed studies of teaching, and is interested in issues of equity in mathematics education. For some years, Schoenfeld has been concerned with finding productive mechanisms for systemic change and for deepening the connections between educational research and practice.

Schoenfeld was lead author for grades 9-12 of the National Council of Teachers' of Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. He was one of the founding editors of Research in Collegiate Mathematics Education, and has served as associate editor of Cognition and Instruction. He is a senior advisor to the Education and Human Resources Division of the National Science Foundation, and a Senior Content Advisor to the What Works Clearinghouse.