Mathematics Teacher Certification Coordinator:

Program Overview

Goals and Requirements
The mission of the mathematics teacher certification program at NIU is to enable certification candidates to develop a solid knowledge of mathematics and its applications, to learn general pedagogical theories and practices and those relating to mathematics education, and to acquire an attitude which seeks the high standards of the profession. The program goals and coursework are aligned with national and state standards and NIU’s Conceptual Framework.

Clinicals and Student Teaching
As candidates progress through the mathematics teacher certification program, they participate in sequential clinical experiences  (ILAS 201, ILAS 301 and MATH 401) during which the candidates engage in the cyclic activities of: 1) putting theory into practice;  2) making self-assessment and reflecting on them as well as on assessments by experienced educators of the candidate’s teaching activities, and 3) adapting future teaching practices based on these reflections.  These pre-student teaching clinical experiences prepare the candidate for a 10 week student teaching experience (MATH 413).  MATH 401 and 413 are completed at the same middle school or high school.  This helps the candidate to familiarize himself/herself with all aspects of the student teaching school prior to student teaching.  Hence, student teachers are usually teaching a full load by the end of the third week of student teaching.

Advising/ Supervision
Careful advising of each candidate allows the candidate’s individual needs to be met within the certification program’s requirements.   Throughout the student teaching experience, each candidate is supervised and evaluated by both a cooperating teacher and an NIU university supervisor.  The university supervisor remains in close contact with both the student teacher and the cooperating teacher throughout student teaching.  The university supervisor also frequently reports on the progress of each student teacher to the Coordinator of Teacher Certification in Mathematics at NIU.

Certification
Successful completion of the mathematics teacher certification program at NIU leads to certification to teach mathematics at the 6-12 grade levels.  Completion of the program also entitles the candidate to the general middle school endorsement required of all newly-certified middle school teachers in Illinois.

For more detailed information about the Mathematics Teacher Certification Program, go to the program's homepage linked below.

Mathematics Teacher Certification Homepage

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