Mathematics, Secondary Education, Initial Teacher Licensure Concentration, BA/BS

Major
On Campus, Day
Mathematics
Mathematics skills lab

In Short

Students within our mathematics major can pursue initial licensure as high school mathematics teachers.

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What will I do?
  • Develop effective thinking and communication skills
  • Learn to link applications and theory
  • Learn to use technological tools
  • Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry

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Program Overview

This program provides students with both a broad introduction to high school teaching and specific instruction in the theory, research and practice of secondary mathematics teaching. Students engage in field-based experiences in the school setting supervised by our faculty through on-site pre-practicum experiences coupled with each teaching course and a formal teaching practicum as the capstone experience.

Students pursuing this option will have to fulfill the degree requirements for the mathematics major with some restricted electives, as well as the requirements for initial teacher licensure in secondary education.

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Accreditation

Fitchburg State University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2030. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Experiential Opportunities

Practicum

The purpose of the student teaching practicum/internship is to provide candidates who have reached the teacher candidacy stage of their academic programs with hands-on experience in an approved school setting.    
Read more about: Practicum

Study Abroad

Faculty-led study abroad course opportunities increase student life-transforming experiences, as do student/faculty cooperative research projects.
Read more about: Study Abroad

Curriculum and Other Information

Develop effective thinking and communication skills

  • Present information in a clear, precise and organized manner both verbally and in writing.
  • Use and compare analytical, visual, and numerical perspectives in exploring mathematics.
  • Recognize and make mathematically rigorous arguments.
  • Approach mathematical problems with curiosity and creativity and persist in the face of difficulties.
  • Work creatively and self-sufficiently with mathematics.

Learn to link applications and theory

  • Understand and apply motivating examples that illustrate the ideas they are studying.
  • Apply mathematical ideas to problems in those areas of study.
  • See mathematical theory as useful and enlightening in both pure and applied contexts.
  • Recognize and integrate connections between mathematical courses and theory.

Learn to use technological tools

  • Use technology effectively, both as a tool for solving problems and exploring mathematical ideas.
  • Use technology with increasing sophistication throughout a major curriculum.

Develop mathematical independence and experience open-ended inquiry

  • Be able to explore mathematical ideas and problems beyond the classroom.
  • Explore increasingly more difficult and open-ended questions.
  • Speak and write about mathematics with increasing depth and sophistication.