Teacher Education (Secondary Certification)
Note: The Secondary Certification Emphasis is designed to prepare future educators to teach both middle school and high school mathematics. In F24, the program was updated to align with the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE's) new grade-band structure and program requirements. Information about both programs appears below.
Overview
2024-25 and beyond
The Major in Mathematics with Secondary Certification emphasis is designed for students seeking certification to teach mathematics in the middle grades (5-9), high school (7-12), or both. Students choose between two tracks: dual band (grades 5-12; 45 credits) or single band (grades 5-9; 45-46 credits). In either case, students earn a double-major in mathematics and educational studies, and they complete coursework that builds robust mathematical and pedagogical knowledge for teaching mathematics in the certification band(s).
Program completers 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 and educational research. Candidates in the 5-12 dual-band track take six math education courses taught by math education faculty (MTH 229, 313, 324, 329, and EDI 332 and EDI 432) designed to integrate mathematics content, pedagogy, and field experiences. In these courses, candidates connect their knowledge of mathematics content with how students think, and they observe, design, implement, and reflect on lessons to ensure all students learn. Candidates in the single-band (5-9) track also take at least six math education courses (MTH 322, 323, 324, 329, and EDI 331 and EDI 432).
Mathematics coursework includes excellent preparation in calculus, linear algebra, communication and proof, discrete math, geometry, statistics, and more. Our 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).
For additional information about secondary math education programs at GVSU, please visit the CLAS Advising Center's Teachable Options & Resources page
Pre-2024
Candidates whose calendar year is 2023-24 or earlier who selected the Math Major with Secondary Education emphasis and who complete their degree by 2029 and pass the relevant MTTC test will earn certification to teach grades mathematics in grades 6-12.
These candidates earn a double major in Mathematics and Educational Studies and complete a separate teachable minor. Program completers enter the teaching profession with a deep base of mathematical knowledge and a wealth of practical experiences with lesson planning, instruction, classroom management, assessment, and evaluation, and they are well-versed in curriculum standards (e.g., Common Core Standards, NCTM Standards) and educational research.
Resources
Information for students regarding teacher certification.
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Resources
Students who plan to earn a Michigan teaching certificate must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in each endorsement area. GVSU strongly recommends taking the math MTTC test(s) as soon as possible after finishing your math courses, ideally before (or early in) your EDI 331 Apprenticeship (TA), while the knowledge is still fresh.
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.
Degree Checklist for 2023-2024 catalog year
Degree Checklist for Dual Band (5-12)
Degree Checklist for Single Band (5-9)
These checklists 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.