Mathematics, Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (5-8, 8-12), B.A.

Licensure for Teacher of Mathematics (5-8, 8-12)

Westfield State University is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) at the initial and advanced levels.

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Mathematics has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Student progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see section on Licensure for Teacher Education .

In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests).

Undergraduate Mathematics Majors Who Wish to be Certified to Teach Mathematics at the Middle or High School Level Must:

Choose their math major electives to satisfy the teacher licensure requirements;
Complete the courses that satisfy teacher licensure requirements with no grade lower than C;
Complete the Professional Sequence for Middle and Secondary, described in the Education Department listings;
Include the following courses (with a grade of C or better) among their eight 300-level mathematics electives in order to satisfy teacher licensure requirements:
Complete the following CAIS course:
- CAIS 0117 - Introduction to Computer Programming

Requirements for Mathematics Majors

Requirements - 54 Credits

MATH 0105 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 0106 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MATH 0216 - Studies in the Literature of Mathematics Credits: 3
MATH 0220 - Discrete Structures Credits: 3
MATH 0218 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
MATH 0201 - Calculus III Credits: 4
MATH 0390 - Senior Seminar in Mathematics Credits: 3
Eight (8) additional 0300‑level, 3-credit mathematics courses (24 credits)
Appropriate practicum described in Education Department listing (12 credits) or
MATH 0398 - Internship in Mathematics
(6 credits) or two (2) additional 300-level, 3-credits mathematics courses (6 credits)

Note:

At most, 6 credits of any combination of MATH 0360 and MATH 0399 can count toward the major, unless the student chooses to take two additional 300-level, 3-credit mathematics courses to satisfy the final requirement; in this case, one or both courses may be MATH 0360 or MATH 0399.

Professional Sequence: Middle (Grades 5-8) and Secondary (Grades 8-12)

The Professional Sequence for Middle and Secondary must be completed by students intending to teach an academic subject area in the Middle or Secondary School. Students must complete an academic major in the subject area in which the licensure is sought.

Professional Sequence Core:

EDUC 0220 - Schools in American Culture Credits: 3 (*FB)
EDUC 0380 - Critical Multicultural Education Credits: 3

Professional Sequence Courses Middle and Secondary:

EDUC 0221 - Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs Credits: 3 (*FB)
EDUC 0321 - The Middle School and its Students Credits: 3 **
EDUC 0354 - Educational Planning and Evaluation: Middle and Secondary Schools Credits: 3 (*FB)
EDUC 0363 - Sheltered English Immersion Credits: 3
PSYC 0203 - Adolescent Development Credits: 3
Appropriate academic methods course Credits 3 (*FB)

Note

*FB indicates field-based course.
** Note: Required for Middle School licensure.

Appropriate Practicum

EDUC 0364 - Practicum: Middle School Credits: 12 or
EDUC 0369 - Practicum: Secondary School Credits: 12

Pedagogical Coursework

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required in pedagogical coursework specific to your licensure program prior to practicum. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core .