Location:

Chicago, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Mathematics

Program Overview

Program Description:

The program is mathematics-content oriented with a focus on content-specific pedagogy, mathematics teaching in diverse settings, and current Illinois educator and student standards. Students study elementary and middle school mathematics content from an advanced perspective, exploring the underlying concepts with the goal of improving their teaching of elementary and middle school mathematics. The program is designed for teachers who wish to improve their level of competence in mathematics or wish to serve as Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Specialists, Coordinators of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Programs, or Teachers of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics. Successful completion of the program leads to a middle school mathematics endorsement. Careers In Illinois, the number of employed elementary and middle school teachers is expected to increase from 117,310 in 2008 to 136,310 in 2018. In addition, The Chicago Public Schools Policy Manual requires that teachers of middle school mathematics be recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as Middle Grade Content Area Specialists in Mathematics and that a sufficient number of teaching positions be programmed for Middle Grades Content Area Specialist teachers. The MA program is designed to prepare its graduates for these positions. Required Courses: MTHE-401 Number Systems and Operations MTHE-402 Patterns, Functions, and Algebra MTHE-403 Geometry and Measurement MTHE-404 History of Mathematics MTHE-438 Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability MTHE-439 Technology MTHE-450 Equitable Mathematics Teaching MTHE-451 Research Trends MTHE-496 Graduate Seminar ELED-403 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Elementary and Middle Schools Total 30 cr.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

The University has regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, the university also is accredited through several disciplinary bodies.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Students must hold a current Illinois teaching license for teaching elementary or middle school. In addition, students must have successfully completed 6 or more credit hours of college mathematics content courses. The application must include an essay (not to exceed 1000 words) describing a successful or unsuccessful elementary or middle grades mathematics lesson taught by the applicant. Essays must address mathematics content, teaching and learning. GRE: Not required