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College of Arts & Sciences
Office of Dean - College of Arts & Sciences
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg PA 17257
www.ship.edu/cas (717) 477-1151
Department
Department of Mathematics
250 MCT
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA
(717) 477-1431
math@ship.eduDepartment Web
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Mathematics Education
The B.S. in Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification prepares you with a strong content knowledge in mathematics and pedagogical skills for teaching in the 21st century.
Why should I consider teaching Secondary Mathematics?
Contemporary educational research, international and national studies in mathematics achievement, and current professional standards for teachers point to the need for mathematics educators who are competent in content and pedagogical knowledge. Currently, there is a high demand for highly quality mathematics teachers in our nation's middle and highschools. Somone who enjoys and excels in mathematics and has the potential to establish positive learning relationships with young people should consider a career in teaching mathematics.
Why choose Shippensburg?
Shippensburg University embraces the challenge of preparing strong mathematics teachers for the 21st century. SU graduates are in great demand to fill teaching positions that are available locally and across the country. Shippensburg University is accredited by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The B.S. in Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification is a thoughtfully planned sequence of courses designed to prepare future teachers for teaching mathematics in middle or high school. The program is designed to provide a strong and diverse mathematics content knowledge complemented by an awareness of best practices and the effective strategies for teaching mathematics. Class sizes are small, so students get to know faculty well. A key strength of the program is that students earn a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, in addition to a teaching certificate. The program prepares the graduate for a rewarding career as a mathematics teacher as well as for further studies in mathematics.
Three capstone courses, related to teaching mathematics, provide an integrated approach to understanding the theories, principles, and practices of teaching and learning mathematics along with the use of technology in the mathematics classroom. Through the use of active explorations, mathematics education readings and resources, case studies, peer teaching, and state-of-the-art technology, students develop a shared vision for teaching and learning mathematics.
What pre-professional experiences are included in the program?
During the freshman year, students are paired with a mathematics education faculty mentor who will guide them through a series of experiences to introduce them to the teaching profession. Students spend a total of three days observing mathematics teaching in suburban, rural and urban settings. In addition, students will work as a mathematics tutor or as a supplemental instructor, working closely with a faculty member to offer assistance in the college mathematics class. Students also become active in a professional organization, participate in community service projects, and become involved in departmental activities.
During the senior-year capstone courses, students observe and work with a middle grades and high school mathematics teacher for seven to eight days in each classroom. This immersion experience prepares the prospective teacher for the pace and practice of day-to-day teaching.
Student teaching is the culminating experience in the program. Students are paired with two cooperating teachers who have been identified as model teachers. Students spend eight weeks in a middle grades classroom and a second eight weeks in a high school classroom. There are opportunities to teach in both urban and rural settings as well as overseas placements. Student teachers are supervise by mathematics education faculty from the mathematics department.
What facilities does Shippensburg have?
The mathematics department facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, including a mathematics teaching lab. The mathematics education lab has an extensive library including an extensive collection of the National Science Foundation's recognized Standards-based curricula, publications from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and many activity resources for teachers.
The department's computer classroom contains 32 desktop networked computers. In addition, the secondary mathematics teaching lab has 16 wireless laptops, which can be checked out. The department also has multiple classroom sets of TI-83+ calculators and other hands-on teaching materials, which can be borrowed for use during student teaching.
“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.”
Robert Maynard Hutchins
"Teachers are the key to improving mathematics education."
Glenda Lappan
NCTM President, Oct. 1998
"I do not look at teaching as a job, but rather as an opportunity to make a difference in someone's future."
Amanda Baum '00
Who are the faculty?
The Shippensburg University mathematics/mathematics education faculty are experts in their field of study and are dynamic teachers! They are extremely interested in teaching for understanding, providing opportunities for students to do research, student-oriented projects, and other mathematics related activities. At Shippensburg University there are terrific opportunities for students to be involved in grant-related activities with secondary teachers in local school districts and to attend local and regional mathematics conferences. The faculty are extremely active in professional development and in professional organizations, and keep current with the latest technologies and teaching philosophies. Class sizes are small, so the faculty get to know their students and are there for the students!
