Mathematics Education Preparation 7-12, MS

Contact

Nicole Fonger, 317F Carnegie Library, 315-443-1499, nfonger@syr.edu

The School of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Mathematics, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a program that prepares students to become mathematics teachers in grades 7-12 who are proficient in five areas:

critical reflection and explanations of practice,
content knowledge,
inclusive and culturally relevant pedagogy,
assessment of student learning and development of mathematical literacy, and
professional conduct and collaboration.

This Master of Science (M.S.) program is designed for students who have attained a bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics or its equivalent, and who seek initial New York State certification to teach mathematics in grades 7-12. It aligns with the professional standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the New York State Teaching and Learning Standards. Full time study is required.

This program is not suitable for students who already have met requirements for initial certification to teach grades 7-12. Those already meeting certification requirements may wish to consider the master’s degree program in Teaching and Curriculum with an emphasis in mathematics education. General program information is available in this catalog. More details about the mathematics education emphasis are available from the faculty contact above.

Master’s Degree Course Requirements

The program requires 30-38 credits, and may be completed in 15 months, beginning in May. Students who enter with education study equivalent to one of the courses below may have their syllabi reviewed for waiver of courses. In no case will graduate credits required be below 30.

(courses with * include field experience)

First Summer

EDU 606 - Understanding Learning and Teaching 4 credit(s) *
ELL 645 - Issues in Educating English Language Learners 3 credit(s)
RED 625 - Literacy Across the Curriculum 3-4 credit(s) 4 credits required*

Fall - Candidacy Semester

SED 613 - Methods and Curriculum in Teaching 3 credit(s)
SPE 612 - Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs 3 credit(s)
EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) (3 credits required) *
Mathematics Course (3 credits)
Safe and Healthy Learning Environments (0 credit), which includes the following topics: Identifying/reporting child abuse, violence prevention, child abduction prevention, highway/general safety, alcohol/drug/tobacco prevention, fire and arson prevention, and training related to the Dignity for All Students (DASA) Act.

Spring - Standard Student Teaching Semester

EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) (6 credits required) *
SED 616 - Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction 3 credit(s)

Second Summer

Mathematics course (3 credits)
Mathematics education course (3 credits)

Intensive Examination

A master’s degree intensive examination is also required.

Mathematics Content Requirements

The requirements of this program include several undergraduate mathematics courses. It is not unusual that an applicant will have one or more of these courses left to take. These do not need to be completed before applying and may be taken at an institution other than Syracuse University. However, some of the courses need to be done before starting the graduate program, and all must be finished before a degree can be granted. We need to approve courses to be taken, and can help students identify appropriate courses.

Applicants will have transcripts reviewed against these requirements. Early review allows more time to enroll in needed courses in winter and spring terms, before the program begins in May.

This program requires either a completed mathematics major of 33 or more credits, including 12 credits of calculus, 3 credits of linear algebra, and 3 credits of analysis; or a major in another area, with at least 30 credits of major-level mathematics courses (calculus and above) at entry, including 12 credits of calculus, 3 credits of linear algebra, and 3 credits of analysis. Both groups must have a total of 36 credits minimum of major-appropriate mathematics courses before a degree can be granted.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of each student, and demonstrate knowledge of student development and learning to promote achievement for all students

2. Know the content they are responsible for teaching, and plan instruction that ensures growth and achievement for all students

3. Implement instruction that engages and challenges all students to meet or exceed the learning standards

4. Work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth

5. Use multiple measures to assess and document student growth, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and modify instruction

6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and engage relevant stakeholders to maximize student growth, development, and learning

7. Set informed goals and strive for continuous professional growth