UA Secondary Mathematics Traditional Master’s Degree for Teachers 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 master’s degree program is designed to improve classroom practices, leveraging known research findings over the last 20 years. Two specific mathematics education courses include CSE 566, CSE 575, one focused on Mathematical Pedagogical Content Knowledge, while the other focuses specifically on learning to use mathematics specific technologies effectively for teaching mathematics. Four content courses are required in the mathematics teaching field. Three additional courses include an introduction to educational research, secondary education, and education foundations. The final course (of 10) is an advisor approved elective course for which will serve as a negotiation between programmatic goals for both UA’s SEMA faculty and teachers’ learning objectives of the program.
UA Secondary Mathematics Programs adhere to the vision that all students can learn mathematics and be successful. The program goals are directly tied to NCTM’s Principles to Actions to improve instruction and student achievement!
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 program is designed to demonstrate changes in teacher practice and knowledge that ultimately improves student opportunities in mathematics. For information about one of our undergraduate or graduate programs, please contact our lead faculty member, Dr. Jeremy Zelkowski.
Master’s Degree Program Information
Our master’s degree program serves individuals who already possess an Alabama Class-B 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 traditional Class-A master’s degree programs, to possess:
- Class-B 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)
