Teaching Middle School Mathematics Certificate Program

Chairperson
Dr. Helen M. Roberts

Program Objectives

Many teachers in the middle grades are assigned mathematics classes but do not have the necessary specialized preparation to effectively teach today's recommended curriculum, which is dramatically different from what it was fifteen years ago. This five course certificate program is specifically designed to provide those teachers with the background and education they need.

The primary objective of the Certificate in Teaching Middle School Mathematics is to increase the mathematical knowledge and related pedagogical skill of New Jersey middle grade mathematics teachers. The program is designed for teachers, with New Jersey certification 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 an understanding of the fundamental principles that underlie school mathematics while at the same time making connections to the mathematics they will teach. Teachers who successfully complete the sequence of five courses will be able to make connections across the mathematics curriculum and to other disciplines. 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 their students.

A secondary objective of the certificate 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.

Possible transfer of credit to an MS program: Teachers who successfully complete the certificate will have the option to continue with a program of study leading to a Master of Science degree focused on the teaching of middle school mathematics. That degree program is designed to further increase the mathematical knowledge and pedagogical skill of middle grades teachers and to prepare them to be teacher leaders in their buildings, districts and, for some, at the state and regional level.

REQUIREMENTS

The Academic Program
The certificate is earned by successfully completing the following five three credit courses:

MATH 505, Number and Operations in the Middle Grades
MATH 506, Algebra and Algebraic Thinking in the Middle Grades
MATH 507, Geometry for Middle Grade Math Teachers
MATH 508, Data Analysis and Probability in the Middle Grades; and
MATH 509, Measurement in the Middle Grades.

A total of 15 credits is required to complete the program. Courses will usually be offered in accordance with the University's academic calendar that will allow part-time students to complete the certificate in two years.

Admission and Applying
To be admitted to the Certificate in Teaching Middle School Mathematics the applicant must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution with the equivalent of at least a 2.5 GPA on a four-point scale and a teaching certificate. The degree and teacher certification cannot be in mathematics or a closely related field. A recommendation from the applicant's supervisor is required.

Prospective students apply through the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services and use graduate application forms and processes.

Transferring courses to a masters degree:
Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Teaching Middle School Mathematics, and who are accepted in the masters degree program that is focused on the teaching of middle grades mathematics, may transfer the certificate courses to that program of study. Students who complete the certificate with a GPA of 3.2 or better will be eligible for admission to that masters degree program and will have the requirement of taking the Graduate Record Exam waived.

ADMISSION

All candidates must meet the basic admissions requirements for graduate study at Montclair State.  The completion of a major from an accredited college or university is preferred.  Candidates with degrees in closely related areas will be considered, although prematriculation coursework may be required.

DEADLINES

Credentials are processed as soon as they are received.  This program does not have a specific deadline; however, the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services recommends that students submit their credentials as far in advance as possible for the semester they plan to begin their studies to ensure a timely review of their application.

TO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective/app.shtml