Program Description
The Secondary Mathematics Education program prepares candidates to teach 9-12 high school mathematics. Candidates who successfully complete the program will be recommended to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for an initial teaching license. There is a great demand in the state, and throughout the nation, for mathematics teachers. With a renewed focus on mathematics and science in our nation, highly qualified candidates of this program will play a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s education. As our school communities become increasingly diverse, mathematics teachers will play a significant role in addressing the needs of underserved and exceptional students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the program will:
- Demonstrate the ability to use mathematics as a technical tool;
- Solve problems, think critically, and communicate mathematically;
- Effectively use technology, such as graphing calculators and computers in mathematics applications.
- Effectively teach mathematics at the secondary level.
Major Requirements
The Secondary Mathematics Education major requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, which includes 45 – 60 hours of general education courses, at least 30 hours of core content courses and at least 30 hours of professional education courses. A student must earn a grade of at least “C” in all Mathematics, English, and Speech courses.
Specialized Admission Requirements for the Major
Students wishing to pursue a degree in this program must be formally admitted to the teacher education program by the end of their sophomore year. Requirements for admission follow:
1. Completion of the new General Education requirements.
2. Completion of English, speech, mathematics and laboratory courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course.
3. Completion of EDU 2334 (Education, Culture, and Society) with a grade of “C” or better as part of the new General Education requirements.
4. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better for admission into teacher education. Transfer students must bring a 2.5 GPA or earn the required grade-point average during the first 12 credit hours completed at the university.
5. Proof of proficiency in mathematics, reading, and writing as demonstrated on the SAT/ACT or Praxis I exam.
6. Successful completion of a written exam or proof of exemption based on Praxis I essay writing.
· Application (including professional references) that verifies completion of all of the above requirements. Application for admission is due by the last day of classes of each term. Admission decisions are made at the end and beginning of spring and fall terms.
Progression Requirements
Teacher education candidates must maintain a 2.50 GPA and earn a grade of “C”, or better, in all major courses, including professional and academic concentration courses. All pedagogy/professional core courses numbered 4000 and above require admission to the teacher education program and may not be taken until all admission requirements have been met. Some courses have prerequisites that candidates must fulfill before registering for those courses.
General Education (60 credit hours; they include pre-requisite courses)
Seek guidance from faculty advisor, professional advisor, and academic advisement outline, including new General Education.
Students should take any pre-requisite mathematics courses to Calculus I in general education. Students may place into Calculus I. In addition they should take EDU 2334 (Education, Culture, and Society)
Major Mathematics Courses
Pedagogical Core Courses
· EDU 3315 - Instructional Planning, Curricula and Assessment
· EDU 4333 - Responsive Pedagogy
- EDU 4338 - Psychological Foundation of Education
- EDU 4339 - Integrating Media and Technology in P-12 Settings
· EDU 4352 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics
- EDU 4981 - Student Teaching Practicum
- RED 4364 - Reading in the Content Area
- SPE 3200 - Exceptional Children in the Regular Classroom
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