Math Teacher Education Programs

(found programs from 1292 schools)

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Below is a directory (broken down by state) of all of the Math Teacher Education programs we could find, from over 1,700 accredited colleges and universities across the US.

Introduction to Mathematics Education Careers

Does the Pythagorean theorem give you goose bumps? Can you solve quadratic equations in your sleep? Would you enjoy making these mathematical concepts come alive for the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers? If so, you may have what it takes to be a math teacher.

Mathematics Education Job Description

At the elementary level, math instruction focuses on mathematical basics such as number basics and order of operations. Teachers at this grade level may teach math along with other core subject areas. At the secondary level, math teachers typically teach only math. Courses are divided into the various branches of math such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. Instruction emphasizes concepts, problem solving, reasoning and proof, making connections across disciplines, and using graphs, tables, and charts to represent mathematical ideas.

Math teachers are responsible for planning and conducting lessons that teach students math concepts and math problem-solving skills in age-appropriate ways. They employ a variety of teaching strategies to engage students in challenging, meaningful math work. They also devise assessment strategies for evaluating student achievement. In addition, math teachers must encourage confidence and a positive attitude toward math. J. Michael Shaughnessy, president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), recently wrote that math teachers must work to get rid of the statement "I'm bad at math."

Mathematics Education Requirements

To be a math teacher, you must meet state certification requirements. These vary from state to state but include a bachelor's degree from an approved teacher education program, a student teaching internship, and a passing score on a competency test such as Praxis.

No matter what grade level they teach, math educators must have an in-depth knowledge of mathematical concepts, an understanding of how students learn mathematics, and extensive knowledge of mathematics curriculum and standards. At the lower grade levels, the NCTM recommends that math teachers should have completed the equivalent of at least three college-level mathematics courses. Another option is to earn an endorsement as an elementary math specialist. EMS teachers may teach math in one or more grade levels, or they may provide math instruction to pullout groups of students.

At the middle and high school levels, math teachers typically have a degree in math education. The NCTM says math teachers at this level should complete mathematics coursework equivalent to what is required for a major in mathematics outside the education department. Math is a rapidly changing and developing field, so math teachers should be committed to lifelong professional learning.

Mathematics Education Career Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the teaching field in general is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Yet, there is a considerable shortage of math teachers according to a 2008 study by the American Association of Employment in Education, so qualified applicants will find plenty of opportunity. Job prospects will be even better in less desirable and rural school districts. As for salary, the American Federation of Teachers reports that the average teacher salary in 2007 was $51,009. Keep in mind that teachers can boost their wages by taking on supplemental contracts for coaching or sponsoring extracurricular activities.

Mathematics Education Trends

A thorough understanding of mathematical skills is crucial to students' future success. Because US students lag behind other industrialized nations on international math assessments, teachers can expect national and state initiatives to promote more rigorous math education.

Online Math Education Programs

According to the Department of Education, many states are experiencing critical shortages of math teachers. For current and aspiring math teachers, a wide variety of online programs are available, including bachelor's degrees at the elementary and secondary levels, master's degrees, doctorate degrees, post-baccalaureate degrees and even supplemental certificates for current teachers.

Online programs in math education differ somewhat depending on the school and the degree program, but usually the curriculum is broken into units and each unit is assessed separately. A capstone project and/or internship is generally required at the program's conclusion. Online math education courses may cover data-driven pedagogy, methods of teaching, curriculum development and assessment methods. Depending on a student's work ethic and schedule, online bachelor's degree programs in math education may be completed in three to four years; online master's, doctorate, post-baccalaureate and certificate programs may take 18 months to two years to complete.

Online degree programs are not for everyone; those who require the structure and discipline of daily or weekly classroom attendance may prefer to enroll in on-campus courses. Online programs are best for individuals who are self-directed, and are also ideal for those who wish to maintain their current employment while pursuing higher education.

Three options for online degrees in math education include Grand Canyon University, Liberty University and Western Governors University.

Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in elementary education, with an emphasis on math, prepares students for a teaching career in grades K?8, including both elementary and middle school. The online learning system is available 24 hours a day, allowing students to create their own learning schedule.

Liberty University offers a Master of Education - program specialist degree with a focus on math. This program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and requires licensure at the middle or secondary school level. While the majority of the curriculum is offered online, this program includes three on-campus intensives in addition to a supervised internship.

The Bachelor of Arts in teaching mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) program offered by Western Governors University prepares individuals for certification and careers in education at the middle or high school level. Completion of the program includes a student teaching requirement.


Useful Resources


Featured Online Programs:


Concordia University

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Mathematics

Drexel University

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers only)

Certificate of Graduate Study in Mathematics Learning and Teaching
Graduate Certificate - Intern Teaching
MS in Mathematics Learning and Teaching
Post-Bachelor's Certificate - Teaching

Grand Canyon University

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers only)
B.S. in Elementary Education: Math (Leads to initial teacher licensure)B.S. in Secondary Education: Math

Kaplan University

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)

Liberty University

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
M.A. - Teaching - Secondary EducationM.Ed. Program Specialist - MathMA - Teaching - Elementary Ed

Nova Southeastern University

Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)

Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - Elementary Math

The University of Texas at Arlington

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Mathematics Education

Walden University

Matching Program(s):
(for current teachers only)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Literacy and Learning in the Content AreasMaster of Science (M.S.) in Education - Mathematics (Grades 6-8)Master of Science (M.S.) in Education - Mathematics (Grades K-5)Ph.D. in Education - Self-Designed

Western Governors University

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited, TEAC accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)

WGU Indiana

Accreditation:
NCATE accredited
Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)

WGU Washington

Matching Program(s):
(for aspiring teachers and current teachers)
B.A. in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)M.A. in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program - Math (5-9 or 5-12)Post-Bacc Teacher Prep Program (K-8)

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Are we missing any schools or programs? If so, please let us know! We appreciate your help in making this the best directory of Education Degree Programs on the web. You can send us an email at schools@educationdegree.com.