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The Department of Mathematics offers two programs that lead to New York State initial certification in teaching mathematics, grades 7-12:
In addition, the department offers a cohesive, one-year graduate program leading to a master's degree and full eligibility for initial teaching certification in mathematics, grades 7-12:
These programs offer candidates an experience that is grounded in a solid mathematics major and a meaningful core education component. Students are inspired to learn their subject area well, to blend critical theories with practice during their field experiences and professional semester in teaching, to incorporate a variety of approaches in helping all students learn mathematics, and to be life-long learners throughout their careers in mathematics education.
Our programs align with documents from professional mathematics organizations including the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM) from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Mathematical Education of Teachers (MET) from the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). They also align well with the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) that pertain to the field of mathematics. The Department maintains strong interest in providing the best, most up-to-date and appropriate education for students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics.
In that spirit, there is universal agreement within the Department -- and shared by the H&S Teacher Education Program -- that these degree programs must provide a solid base in the discipline together with strong pedagogical knowledge and skills. Students fulfill all requirements for the major in mathematics or mathematics-computer science; however, a deep understanding of advanced mathematical content is not enough. "Prospective teachers need a solid understanding of mathematics so that they can teach it as a coherent, reasoned activity and communicate its elegance and power" (MET document). Teaching candidates must be able to connect disciplinary content with the curriculum they will teach; they are encouraged and challenged to do so.
The Department of Mathematics also is committed to providing teaching option students with strong theoretical knowledge and practice related to pedagogy and other educational issues. Pedagogy and Practice for the Mathematics Teacher (EDUC 40510) is taught by a faculty member in the Department and serves as a crucial point where the mathematics curriculum and the teacher education pedagogical core meet and are unified to prepare students for their full semester of student teaching in mathematics. This course is typically taken during the semester prior to the professional semester, along with Pedagogy and Practice Across the Disciplines (EDUC 40810).
