Return to: 4170 Department of Middle and Secondary Education
The Master of Arts of Teaching (M.A.T.) in Secondary Mathematics Education seeks to advance prospective and/or in-service mathematics teachers’ ability to effectively implement standards-based instructional practices. The program’s chief goal-to strengthen secondary students’ mathematical understandings-is achieved, in part, by providing mathematics teachers with opportunities to deepen their understandings of learners from diverse backgrounds, mathematics content and content pedagogical knowledge. The program prepares teachers to conduct action research in the context of their own classrooms in order to inform instruction, and to share the knowledge gained in a professional community of teachers. Through engaging teachers in advanced mathematics and mathematics education coursework, the program strengthens teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and their proficiency for teaching mathematics. In general, the Program of Study is framed by the principles and standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), InTASC, NCATE, and Common Core Georgia Performance Standards in Mathematics (CCGPS-M).
Program Admission
All applicants must meet the College of Education and Human Development’s requirements for admission to graduate study. Additional admission requirements specific to this program include:
- An undergraduate or graduate degree in mathematics or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university (Coursework must have included at least 24 semester hours of upper-division or equivalent acceptable credit in mathematics content, including a minimum of three semester hours in each of four of the following areas: modern or abstract algebra [similar to Math 4441], linear algebra [similar to Math 4435], college geometry [similar to Math 4301], mathematical statistics [similar to Math 4751], and advanced calculus [similar to Math 4661]. How recently these courses have been completed will be a consideration.
- A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.75 for the four courses is used to meet the previous requirement.
- Two letters of recommendation as follows: (a)one academic or professional letter; (b) one letter from someone who can evaluate the applicant’s personal qualifications, experience, and background in light of potential to work successfully with adolescent; or (c) one letter from a current work supervisor (if applicable).
- Documentation of previous work experience (resume).
Program Academic Regulations
Upon admission to a teacher education program, students will be contacted by the Office of Field Placements and Certification with instructions to claim enrollment in their program and submit a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate Application. The pre-service certificate is required for placement in required field experiences or clinical practice.
Each student is advised by a committee consisting of faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences and faculty from the College of Education and Human Development.
Exit requirements for this program are:
- Completion of all program coursework with a grade point average of no less than 3.00;
- Successful completion of the teaching internships with a grade of “B” or higher; and
- Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.
Certification
Students in this program will be eligible to be recommended for Georgia initial certification after earning passing scores on the GACE Content Assessment for Mathematics, Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment, and successfully completing:
- All content courses recommended for students by MSE and Arts and Sciences faculty upon admission to the program;
- For Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) certification requirements, students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in EXC 4020.;
- EXC 4020, EPY 7080, EDCI 6600, EDCI 4650, EDCI 7660, EDCI 7670, EDCI 7680, EDMT 6560, EDMT 7560; and
- Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.
