Teaching Certificate in Mathematics 7-12

** This program is no longer accepting applications. Interested students should apply for our Master of Arts (MAT) in Teaching - Mathematics Education program. For questions, please contact soeinfo@pitt.edu**

Prepare for a rewarding career as a secondary (grades 7-12) mathematics teacher with the Pitt School of Education's Instructional I Certification program in Mathematics. This rigorous two-semester program provides a thorough foundation for teaching and pairs challenging coursework with simultaneous experience in a mathematics classroom to support candidates in developing the disposition, knowledge, and experience to thrive in diverse school settings. 

Quick Facts

• Program Duration:  8 months over two terms (Fall and Spring)
• Time Commitment: Full time (Can be completed over a longer period of time on a part-time basis)
• Term of Enrollment: Fall term
• Course Requirements: 30 credits
• Application Deadline: January 15. Late applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on available space in the program.
• Admissions Requirements: GRE Exam Not Required

Program Details

The Instructional I Certificate program in Mathematics Education offers students a rigorous course of instruction in teaching Mathematics in grades 7-12. The program combines methodological course-work and practical experience student teaching in a public-school classroom.

Our program is focused on research-based best practices that support all children to learn and is committed to fostering practices that further social justice.

Candidates graduate satisfying the requirements to earn a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate. 

Loading...

Degree Requirements

Student Teaching: During the school year, candidates complete student teaching in a local public school under the supervision of a mentor teacher. In the fall term, students spend approximately 10 hours per week observing and working with their mentor teacher. In the spring term, students are in their school sites daily from bell to bell (35-40 hours per week), culminating in a two-week "takeover"of their mentor teacher’s full responsibilities. Student teachers observe, analyze, and practice teaching skills in the grade levels and subjects of their mentor teacher.

Certification

The Instructional I Certificate program in Mathematics Education satisfies the requirements for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate in Grades 7-12 Mathematics, pending:

• Earning a passing score on the national Mathematics PRAXIS II Exam;
• Completing the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430); and
• Demonstrating satisfactory performance in courses and student teaching.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification website.

Prerequisites

The Instructional I Certificate program in Mathematics Education has prerequisite requirements for all applicants:

• A major in mathematics or a mathematics-related field (e.g. physics, engineering, economics)
• Completion of the college-level Calculus Sequence (Calculus 1,2 & 3, or its equivalent)
• College-level experience in Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, Linear Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents) will be required to make a case for approval). 
• Foundations of Special Education
• 30 hours of experience working with K-12 children (preferably adolescents). Typical experiences include work at summer camps, tutoring, community involvement, or other volunteer or paid work with children. **Due to the challenges associated with COVID-19, the admissions committee will consider this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Please speak to your Admissions and Enrollment contact with any concerns you may have in meeting this requirement.** 
• Interview with a program faculty member following application submission.

All applicants are encouraged to use the program’s online transcript review to track your progress online.