Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics at Montclair State University

Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Online

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Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Online

The primary objective of the Master of Arts degree, Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics is to increase the mathematical knowledge and related pedagogical skills of New Jersey middle grades mathematics teachers. The fully online program is designed for teachers with New Jersey teaching certificates in disciplines other than mathematics and closely related fields who are teaching mathematics in the middle grades or preparing for such an assignment. The program of study provides teachers with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles underlying school mathematics while making connections to the mathematics they will teach and at the same time preparing them to be leaders in their schools, districts, and perhaps, at the state and regional level. The Common Core State Standards Mathematics (CCSSM) has been incorporated into our whole program. Teachers who successfully complete the sequence of eleven courses will be able to make connections across the mathematics curriculum and to other disciplines with in the framework of the CCSSM. Their increased content knowledge and pedagogical skill will result in an observable, enhanced level of enthusiasm and comfort with mathematics, which will in turn foster a deeper understanding, and appreciation of mathematics in both their students and their colleagues.

A secondary objective of the master’s is to increase the number of students in the middle grades who are academically prepared to succeed in a first course in algebra, either in middle school or when they enter high school. Students thus prepared will have more options in terms of high school course selection, post high school education and career paths. Teachers who successfully complete the master’s degree will contribute to the achievement of this secondary objective in two ways. They will be teaching algebra to middle grades students and also be a resource to other teachers in their district who are teaching algebra.

Please note that this master’s program is intended for those who are already current teachers and does not provide teacher certification. For information regarding our options for acquiring a teacher certification please see our Teacher Education and Certification page.

Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.

Admission Requirements

The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.

Application Checklist

In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admission.
  • Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.

The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) program:

  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Statement of Purpose: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: One.
  • Teacher Certification: Copy of New Jersey teacher’s certificate. (Optional)
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Curriculum

For curriculum information, please visit the program listing in the course catalog.

Contact

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869

If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Program Coordinator:

*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*

Program Coordinator: Dr. Jonathan Cutler
Office: Richardson Hall 306
Email: cutlerjo@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973‑655‑7247