Middle school mathematics education is a teacher certification program created for students who want to teach middle school math. New Hampshire certification is reciprocal in most states.
The program features courses created specifically for those interested in teaching math.
Real-World Experience
You won’t have to wait until after graduation to put education theory into practice -- SNHU students work in real classrooms beginning first semester, freshman year.
Field work includes math and literacy nights in local districts, networking opportunities with teachers and superintendents, and opportunities to student teach. The program culminates in a 16-week, full-time student teaching experience under the supervision of a full-time teacher. (Students must pass the Praxis II exam before they begin.)
High Standards
This program meets or exceeds the recommendations for pre-service middle school mathematics teacher programs by:
- The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- The Mathematical Sciences Education Board – National Research Council
- The Conference Board of the Mathematics Sciences – Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society
Required Core Courses
Middle School Mathematics Education Major Courses
MAT-106: Math for Elementary Education I
This is the first course of a two semester sequence which explores the mathematics content in grades K 6 from an advanced standpoint Topics include problem solving functions and graphs and numbers and operations This course is open to elementary education and early childhood students only
MAT-206: Math for Elementary Education II
This is the second course of a two semester sequence which explores the mathematics content in grades K 6 from an advanced standpoint Topics include descriptive statistics probability algebra geometry and measurement This course is open to elementary education and early childhood students only
MAT-210: Calculus I
This is an introductory course in single variable calculus Topics include limits continuity derivatives differentiation integration and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Students will gain experience solving real world problems involving calculus including problems in business economics natural sciences and social sciences
MAT-230: Discrete Mathematics
Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are fundamentally discrete rather than continuous That is in contrast to the real numbers that vary continuously the objects of study in discrete mathematics take on distinct separated values Topics include operations on sets logic truth tables counting relations and digraphs functions trees and graph theory A significant goal of this course is to improve students critical thinking and problem solving skills
MAT-360: Statistics and Probability for Teachers
In this course students will study topics in data analysis including descriptive statistics probability odds and fair games probability distributions normal distributions estimation and hypothesis testing The course format will include hands on activities computer based simulations creating and implementing student developed investigations and actual middle school mathematics classroom activities Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to relate the mathematical concepts studied in this course to the mathematical concepts they will be teaching This course is not appropriate for students who have completed MAT 240 MAT 245 or MAT 250
Prerequisites:
MAT-206
MAT-361: Geometry for Teachers
This course will examine concepts in Euclidean and non Euclidean geometries Course topics include area and volume congruence and similarity properties of and relationships among geometric shapes and structures The Pythagorean Theorem and motion and symmetry Students will engage with these concepts through proofs problem solving dynamic geometric software and through activities used in middle school mathematics Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to relate the mathematical concepts studied to the mathematical concepts they will be teaching
Prerequisites:
MAT-229
MAT-362: Algebra for Teachers
This course will examine concepts in algebra including Patterns arithmetic sequences geometric sequences arithmetic and algebra of the integers least common multiple and greatest common divisor The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic The Division Algorithm and Euclidean Algorithm modular arithmetic and systems of numbers properties of groups and fields the field of complex numbers polynomial arithmetic and algebra The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra linear equations matrix algebra determinants and vectors Students will engage with these concepts through proofs problem solving and through activities used in middle school mathematics Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to relate the mathematical concepts studied to the mathematical concepts they will be teaching
Prerequisites:
MAT-210
MAT-440: Math Education Research and Practice
Topics in this course include research methods such as case studies interviews and action research Students will engage in these types of research and analyze related research done in the field of mathematics education Students will design and implement a research project based on the concepts learned in this class The impact of research on policies and practices will be explored as students familiarize themselves with state and national standards and policies Students will also learn how to interpret findings from research and relate them to classroom practices The course will require 10 20 hours of field experience
MAT-450: History of Math and Math Education
This course will look at the historical development of the disciplines of mathematics and mathematics education Within the discipline of mathematics we will examine the development of number and number systems geometry and measurement algebra probability and statistics calculus and discrete mathematics Within the discipline of mathematics education we will examine the development of learning theories theories of teaching mathematics research trends and mathematics curriculum Throughout this course students will study the history of mathematics and mathematics education through readings case studies and problem sets
MAT-495: Middle Grades Mathematics
This course is the mathematics capstone course for Middle School Mathematics Education majors Students will spend time reflecting on the mathematics learned in previous courses through rich problems that draw on concepts from multiple disciplines in mathematics The course will help students develop a deeper and more connected understanding of middle school mathematics content while continuing to develop their mathematical habits of mind and problem solving strategies Students will also spend time connecting their knowledge of mathematics education to national and state standards and policies regarding the mathematical education of students
Prerequisites:
MAT-360,
Middle School Mathematics Education Required Courses
EDU-200: Introduction to Education
This course gives students an overview of American education through analysis of its historical and philosophical roots Contemporary issues in American education are emphasized Non education majors may use this course as a social science elective
EDU-208: Assessment Accountability and Teaching in the Classroom
This basic course for classroom teachers explores various techniques necessary for designing and implementing authentic measures to assess successful student learning
Prerequisites:
EDU-261,
EDU-220: Teaching Middle Grade Education
This course provides students with innovative and authentic learning experiences about middle level education Topics include team teaching advising integrating curriculum active learning cooperative learning trackless classes block scheduling community service programs health education and full exploratory and concentrated curriculum
Prerequisites:
PSY-211
EDU-362: Literacy in the Content Areas 4 8
In this course students study effective practices that support the development of reading comprehension and writing strategies for accessing information across content area subjects in grades 4 8 The course focuses on the strategies that enable students read and write about non fiction Students will also examine ways to address the particular needs of students with diverse language cultural and learning requirements using the applications of strategic reading and writing TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
EDU-361
EDU-490: Student Teaching and Seminar
All teacher education majors seeking certification will participate in 16 weeks of full time practice teaching at nearby schools During the 16 weeks the student teacher receives close and continuous supervision and guidance from teaching personnel at the school and by a member of the Southern New Hampshire University faculty This course also includes seminars at the university TCP acceptance is required
SPED-260: Children with Exceptionalities
This course provides students with deep understanding of children with disabilities and specific characteristics of disabilities and how they impact learning in the general curriculum Students will examine and be prepared to define ways in which such disabilities are diagnosed and possible strategies and techniques to include assistive technology to assist the student in the general classroom to the extent possible Tiered Support Systems will be discussed as a general education initiative that can serve the needs of all students Students will research resources available for families and schools to support the needs of disabled children The role of the family and school as partners will be developed as a critical technique to serve the needs of students as well as facilitating effective meetings and communication efforts that must be part of the role of special educator
SPED-324: The Inclusive Classroom
This course examines teaching strategies and techniques for early childhood elementary education middle school and high school Students will conduct in depth study of behavior theory and practical application in the classroom environment Students will learn to promote learning environments where students can set goals and accept responsibility for their own learning Modification and accommodations will be researched at each level discussing the best approaches depending upon the age of the child Alignment with the regular education curriculum includes a review of the Grade Level Expectations and the Grade Span Expectations and Common Core Standards Students will leave this class with a good understanding of the progression and development of students with disabilities K 12 personally socially physically and academically TCP acceptance is required
Prerequisites:
SPED-260
School of Education Required Courses
PSY-211: Lifespan Development
Students in this course study physical and psychological development from the prenatal period to death Patterns of human development also are considered Offered every year
Prerequisites:
PSY-108
Select Two of The Following:
JUS-325: Law Justice and Family
A full fledged review of the justice system s response to the establishment and maintenance of family in the American culture How the family is defined its heritage of rights and protections and the differentiated roles of parent and child are central considerations Further review includes a look at family dissolution divorce custody and support disputes and the ongoing problems of visitation The emerging problems of spousal and child abuse will be keenly analyzed and how the legal systems provide protection from these abuses will be closely scrutinized
PHL-212: Introduction to Ethics
This course introduces students to ethical theory or the study of how people make decisions about how to treat one another It emphasizes the historical and theoretical development of answers to such questions as What kind of a person do I want to be and How do we figure out what the right thing to do is
PHL-214: Formal Logic
This course is a study of the fundamental principles of correct and incorrect argument historical forms of deductive logic and the significance of language and clear verbalization Offered as needed
SOC-213: Sociology of Social Problems
Students in this course analyze contemporary social problems in America and other societies Issues include economic limitations class and poverty race and ethnic relations sexism ageism and environmental and population concerns Offered every year
Prerequisites:
SOC-112
2 Free Electives: 6 Credits
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