Teacher Education (Secondary Certification)
Overview
The Secondary Certification Emphasis (grades 6-12) is designed to prepare future educators to teach both middle school and high school mathematics. Candidates earn a double major in Mathematics and Educational Studies, and graduates enter the teaching profession with a deep base of mathematical knowledge and a wealth of practical experiences with lesson planning, instruction, classroom management, and assessment and evaluation, and they are well-versed in curriculum standards (e.g., Common Core Standards, NCTM Standards) and educational research. Candidates take four math education courses taught by math education faculty (MTH 229, MTH 329, EDI 331, and EDI 432) designed to integrate mathematics content, pedagogy, and field experiences: in these courses, candidates connect their knowledge of mathematical content with how students think, and they design, implement, and reflect on lessons to ensure all students learn.
Mathematics coursework in the secondary cert. emphasis includes calculus, linear algebra, mathematical proof, discrete math, geometry, statistics, and modern algebra. Math courses are taught by award-winning mathematics faculty who are passionate about teaching mathematics. Our faculty use a range of active learning techniques (e.g., small group work, whole class discussions, flipped learning models), integrate instructional technologies (e.g., Desmos, Jamboards, Google Colab), and use learner-centered assessment techniques (e.g., standards-based grading, mastery grading, projects and portfolios, ungrading, and more).
Our teaching emphases have been awarded National Recognition status (recognized through 2027) by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) / Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Resources
Information for students regarding teacher certification.
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Resources
Students who plan to earn a Michigan teaching certificate must take and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their major, minor, and endorsement(s), if applicable. If you are Teacher Assisting (EDI 331) in the Fall semester, we recommend to take the MTTC math test in the summer immediately before. If you are Teacher Assisting in the Winter semester and you've completed MTH 350, we recommend to take the MTTC math test during the Winter semester or the following summer.
Education Guide for Students Desiring to Be K-12 Math TeachersPrepared by Anna Stover '21.
Degree Planning for Secondary Certification
The official catalog description of the Major in Mathematics - Secondary Certification Emphasis.
This checklist helps you keep track of fulfilled requirements and the courses you've taken.
These guides display the order/semesters you should take courses to complete your degree in 4 years, depending on your first math course.
This plan highlights which semester(s) and times we intend to offer math courses. Please check with your advisor regularly about your plan of study.