Overview
Mathematics teachers in post-secondary settings help students develop critical-thinking abilities by gaining an understanding of math concepts and preparing them for college-level studies. Governors State’s Master of Science in Mathematics Teacher Education balances theoretical and applied study to provide students with a substantial background in mathematics that strengthens skills in logical thinking, problem analysis, problem-solving, and pedagogy for those interested in teaching mathematics at the secondary level.
Reach Your Career Goals
As a graduate of the Mathematics Teacher Education M.S., you will be considered “highly qualified” to teach mathematics at the secondary and college levels, as defined by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Program requirements include a strong knowledge base in mathematics and professional education coursework, including a student teaching internship that meets all of the requirements for secondary teachers set forth by the ISBE. Mathematics coursework includes abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability and statistics, number theory, geometry, mathematics technology, special topics in mathematics education, and the history of mathematics.
Why Get a Master of Science in Mathematics Teacher Education?
Use your proficiency in mathematics to impact the next generation of students. Graduates of this program—which is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)—will be prepared to take the exam for the Initial Secondary License Type 09 license which qualifies candidates to teach mathematics in grades 9 – 12.
To be recommended for an ISBE teaching license, you must present evidence of having passed the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), the Mathematics 115 Subject-Matter Knowledge examinations of the Illinois Licensure Testing System, and earned a passing score on the teacher performance assessment known as the edTPA.
Data collected as of May 28, 2024, by Salary.com reported that the average annual salary for Mathematical Science Teachers in Chicago, IL is $70,564 but the salary range typically falls between $57,301 and $87,731. Please note that Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Delivery Format
Achieve your master’s degree in as little as two years. Governors State’s 42-credit hour Mathematics Teacher Education M.S. is offered fully on-campus or in a hybrid format. Enroll full-time to jumpstart your career, or part-time for added flexibility.
Testimonials
"Going back to school for my MS in Mathematics after a significant layoff from academic study was initially a terrifying thought. However, my personal advisor, Dr. Galante, made my transition seamless. She tailored the course of action I needed to take and suggested courses to advance my skill set as a professional educator--and did they ever. Other professors took time to clarify difficult mathematical ideas and encouraged me when I felt I couldn’t go any farther. I highly endorse this program without reservation."
Rob Belin
"Students in the M.S. of Mathematics program develop problem-solving skills that apply in the real world. Many of them focus their thesis project on the concepts of mathematical modeling and come up with great solutions, like how to most efficiently board an airplane or where to locate fire stations to minimize response time. Last year, I co-wrote a paper with a student using mathematical modeling to show how humans could survive in a zombie apocalypse—these models can be real or theoretical, but are always beneficial."
Dr. J. Christopher Tweddle, Assistant Professor of Mathematics