Mathematics Specialist (Educational Specialist Degree)

This new, innovative EdS degree program leads to an Alabama Class AA Mathematics Specialist certification for grades 4-8 and/or 6-12 by completing 30 graduate credit hours which focuses on five key domains of: (a) mathematical content knowledge for teaching (Ball et al, 2008), (b) pedagogical knowledge for teaching mathematics (NCTM, 2014), (c) mentoring and induction leadership (NCTM, 2018), (d) mathematics instructional coaching (AMTE, 2017), and (e) research in mathematics education (AMTE 2017; MTEP 2012; NCTM, 2014, 2017, 2018).

Defining the Work of a Mathematics Specialist

Mathematics specialists are different from mathematics coaches, from generalist lead teachers, from a department chair, and from a mathematics curriculum shepherd. Consistent with mathematics education field norms, we define Mathematics Specialists as advanced practitioners educated beyond the master’s degree in mathematics pedagogical content knowledge, mathematical knowledge for teaching, and mathematical leadership who espouse to lead in a number of ways including, but not limited to: leadership from the mathematics classroom, leadership in mathematics teaching within their school, leadership through mathematics teacher coaching and mentorship, leadership for induction of new teachers of mathematics, and leadership in mentoring practicum preservice teacher candidates in teaching mathematics. This definition draws from the national definition of Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS), as defined by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators[1] (AMTE, 2013), and description of well-prepared mathematics teachers advanced in the Mathematics Education of Teachers II published by the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences[2] (CBMS, 2010) for secondary teachers. These two documents frame this proposal and program development, as well as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and core propositions[3], the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ eight research-based essential mathematics teaching practices[4] (NCTM, 2014), and the PRIME Leadership Framework of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics[5] (NCSM, 2008).
4-8: Teachers will experience curriculum and field experiences for the purpose of working in both upper elementary grades and lower secondary grades.
6-12: Teachers will experience curriculum and field experiences for the purposes of working in upper elementary grades and secondary grades.

[1] See https://amte.net/sites/all/themes/amte/resources/EMS_Standards_AMTE2013.pdf
[2] For more information about CBMS and its member societies, see www.cbmsweb.org
[3] See https://www.nbpts.org/certification/five-core-propostions/
[4] See https://www.nctm.org/PtA/
[5] See https://www.mathedleadership.org/ncsm-essential-actions-series/

Curriculum Map Overview

Foundational Course for Principles of Mathematics Education (3 hours)
CIE 560—Principles of Mathematics Education: Access & Equity

Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching (MKT)
(6 hours)
Note: Depending on backgrounds and pre-assessment data different math courses may be appropriate for MKT
Math 504—Special Topics: Number Systems & Algebraic Reasoning for Teachers
Math 504—Special Topics: Geometry and Data Analysis for Teachers

Knowledge of Students, Teaching, Curriculum, & Content (6 hours)
Note: Special topics may be substituted/replaced where appropriate based on prior graduate work of educators
CSE 666—Research on Math Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
CSE 675—Research on Math Tools, Technology, & Assessment

Research (3 hours)
CIE 680—Research Seminar in Mathematics Education
Research Principles for Improving Mathematics Education Outcomes

Leadership (3 hours)
AEL 612—Instructor Supervision Mentoring Training
Teacher as a Leader & Mentor

Instructional Coaching (3 hours)
CIE 693—Workshop: Coaching & Mentoring Cycles

Capstone Project (3 hours)
Field Experiences Practicum
CEE 695 or CSE 695
Focus on grade band experience project for teachers’ areas of least teaching experience

Diversity Course (3 hours) – Any course from the state approved list