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Department of Mathematics at Illinois State University

Testimonials

Tom Thakral
ISU Degree and Year of Graduation: B.S. Mathematics 2000
Current Position: Bloomington High School mathematics teacher
Past Experiences/Awards/Honors in Mathematics Education:

  • Golden Key Honor Society
  • NCTM and ICTM member.

"It was great to have such a good relationship with the faculty. And everything that we learned in our courses was applicable in the classroom."

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Mathematics Education

Students who complete the Mathematics Education sequence at Illinois State University earn Illinois secondary school teacher certification and move into classrooms of their own upon graduation. We typically graduate 45 to 55 new mathematics teachers each spring, consistently ranking near the top in the nation in the number of newly certified mathematics teachers. In Illinois, it is estimated that more than 1 of 10 teachers currently teaching mathematics claim ISU as their undergraduate institution.

The dedicated group of faculty members in secondary mathematics education teach courses in the program, advise students, observe clinical experiences in local schools, and supervise students' capstone experience, 12 weeks of student teaching.

This website is intended to provide current, former, and prospective students with information about and resources for becoming a mathematics teacher. High school teachers and counselors, university mathematicians and mathematics educators, parents, and others may also find useful information within this website.

General Information - 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.

Clinicals

The Teacher Certification sequence in the Department of Mathematics leads to certification to teach in grades 6 through 12 in Illinois. We maintain a highly respected program that is recognized both within and outside Illinois as one of the best and one of the largest undergraduate teacher development programs in North America.

The requirements for a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education fall into three categories:

  • General Education,
  • Professional Education and
  • Mathematics.

Click here for resources and more information about clinicals

 

Professional Education

There are 24 required hours.

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

Mathematics Education Sequence - Certified to teach in grades 6-12

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

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.

Mathematics

There are 40 required 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)