Illinois State University Mathematics Department

Mathematics Major: Teacher Certification Sequence

General Description of the Program

What will my mathematics education major be like?

You will be challenged, you will be tested, you will be supported, and you will be rewarded. These and other words only begin to describe what you will experience in our department as a mathematics major seeking certification to teach high school mathematics.

• You will be challenged to extend your knowledge and experience in mathematics through courses taken by students completing other sequences within the department's major as well as through courses in education. You will become a mathematician, and you will become a teacher.
• You will be tested as you strive to meet the standards of excellence established for those becoming mathematics teachers.
• You will be supported by your professors, your advisor, your fellow students, and others who play a role in the success of the program.
• You will be rewarded, not only through a great sense of accomplishment in earning your undergraduate degree and teacher certification, but also through the many career opportunities that await newly certified mathematics teachers.

  This page provides extensive information about the requirements and opportunities your face as a student pursuing teacher certification within the mathematics major.

  Some Details

  The Mathematics Education sequence in the Department of Mathematics leads to certification to teach in grades 6 through 12 in Illinois. The requirements for a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education fall into three categories: General Education, Professional Education and Mathematics.

  • General Education requirements consist of 18 Inner Core hours, 15 to 16 Middle Core hours, and 12 Outer Core hours. These hours must be completed by all entering freshmen.

  In the table below is a sample program for a student beginning in Calculus I (MAT 145). General education courses are used to complete the number of hours needed each semester.

  Of course, your program may be different. Variations occur, especially for transfer students and those who may choose a minor field.

  Sample Plan of Study (Numbers in parentheses indicate credit hours.)
  Freshman Year First Semester Foundantions of Inquiry (3) Language and composition 101 or Language and Composition 110 (3) Calculus I (4) Inner Core Science (3-4)	.	Sophomore Year First Semester Calculus III (4) Introduction to Secondary Mathematics Teaching (1) Educational Psychology (3) Computer (3-4)
  Second Semester Calculus II (4) Language and composition 101 or Language and Composition 110 (3) Inner Core Science (3-4)		Second Semester Linear Algebra (4) Geometry (4) Secondary School Reading (2)
  .
  Junior Year First Semester Discrete Mathematics (4) Probability and Statistics (4) Curriculum and Organizational Issues (2)	.	Senior Year First Semester Mathematics Methods for Secondary Schools (3) Mathematics Elective (2) Educational Administration and Foundations (3)
  Second Semester Abstract Algebra (4) Secondary Education(4)		Second Semester Seminar for Student Teachers (3) Student Teaching (10)
  .

  Professional Education (24 hours)

  Educational Psychology (3), Educational Administration and Foundations (3), Secondary School Reading (2), Curriculum & Organizational Issues (2), Secondary Education (4), Student Teaching (10)

  Mathematics (40 hours)

  Calculus I (4), Calculus II (4), Calculus III (4), Becoming a Secondary Teacher (1), Linear Algebra (4), Discrete Mathematics (4), Geometry (4), Abstract Algebra (4), Probability and Statistics (4), Mathematics for Secondary Schools (3), Seminar for Student Teachers (3), Elective (2-4), Computer programming (3-4)