UA Secondary Mathematics Educational Specialist Degree Program
The University of Alabama’s College of Education and Secondary Mathematics Education programs will carry out the mission to prepare teacher professionals who appreciate and exhibit reflective practice and moral decision making through professional growth, dedication, and valuing the practice of educating all students to their maximum potential. Coursework and experiences in secondary mathematics education programs are designed to institute leaders among their peers and colleagues, become advocates of research-based ‘best practices’.
Our Educational Specialist (EdS) degree program is designed to improve classroom practices, leveraging known research findings over the last 20 years. Three specific mathematics education courses include CSE 666, CSE 675, and CIE 680 are designed and offered in a manner to prepare program students for doing a research project that culminates and capstones the program. One-third of the program is math content courses are required in the mathematics teaching field. Three additional courses include two educational research methods courses and education foundations. The final sequence of coursework is specifically designed in preparing a project and carrying out the project which results in an educational specialist thesis.
UA Secondary Mathematics Programs adhere to the vision that all students can learn mathematics and be successful. These teaching practices drive the EdS Program goals (PDF of the above image here).
The Need for Mathematics in a Changing World
“We live in a time of extraordinary and accelerating change. New knowledge, tools, and ways of doing and communicating mathematics continue to emerge and evolve. Calculators, too expensive for common use in the early eighties, now are not only commonplace and inexpensive but vastly more powerful. Quantitative information available to limited numbers of people a few years ago is now widely disseminated through popular media outlets.
The need to understand and be able to use mathematics in everyday life and in the workplace has never been greater and will continue to increase.” —National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000
Secondary mathematics education at The University of Alabama prepares professional practitioners at the highest level with high expectations of our graduates. Our EdS program is designed to develop secondary math specialist who may be instructional leaders, lead teachers, LEA providers of professional development, and/or teach at regional teaching colleges. For information about one of our undergraduate or graduate programs, please contact our lead faculty member, Dr. Jeremy Zelkowski.
EdS Degree Program Information
Our EdS degree program serves individuals who already possess an Alabama Class-A Secondary Mathematics 6-12 teaching license.
For individuals considering this program, we strongly suggest reaching out to Dr. Zelkowski, program coordinator, discuss how this program fits your professional goals and how courses are offered (frequency/format/time) for teachers. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) requires candidates for the Class-AA EdS degree program to possess:
- Class-A Secondary Mathematics grades 6-12 in Alabama (or equivalent 7-12, 8-12, 9-12 from another state)
- The program may require additional admission materials of applicants (please contact Dr.Zelkowski prior to applying just in case)
