Mathematics Teacher’s Certificate Program (BA or BS)

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Program advisors: K. Hansen, L. McLeman

The Teacher’s Certificate Program (TCP) is designed to meet the needs of future teachers of secondary school mathematics. This program may lead to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Completion of the Mathematics TCP major is required. A minor that complements the declared major and/or develops a greater knowledge base or skill level is highly recommended. Note: Students who wish to add an endorsement in an area beyond the major must complete an approved TCP program in that area.

Professional requirements are to be completed in three phases, in sequence, during which the student creates an Individual Major Portfolio. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each course.

In addition, for progression from phase to phase and completion of the program, a minimum GPA of B- (2.7) or higher are required in the major, the minor (if appropriate), the professional coursework, and overall. Further, throughout the program teacher education candidates will be assessed on dispositions a minimum of four times and complete a dispositions interview. Those who do not meet dispositional expectations may be required to fulfill a professional development plan and/or may be removed from the program.

Discipline-Specific Requirements

A. Mathematics Core Courses (36 credits)

MTH 121 - Calculus I (4)
MTH 122 - Calculus II (4).
MTH 200 - Mathematical Proofs and Structures (3).
MTH 220 - Elementary Linear Algebra (3).
MTH 222 - Multivariate Calculus (4).
MTH 272 - Introduction to Statistics (3).
MTH 328 - Abstract Algebra (3).
MTH 333 - College Geometry (3).
MTH 362 - Combinatorics with Applications (3).
MTH 385 - History of Mathematics (3).
MTH 401 - Mathematics TCP Capstone Course (3)

B. Mathematics Electives

At least two additional electives (6-8 credits) for the Bachelor of Arts, or at least four additional electives (12-14 credits) for the Bachelor of Science, from courses numbered 300 or higher, including no more than one from:

MTH 303 - Introduction to Differential Equations (4).
MTH 305 - Differential Equations (3).
and excluding:
MTH 370 - Probability with Statistical Applications (3).
MTH 390 - Problem-Solving Seminar (1).
MTH 391 - Directed Study
MTH 395 - Mathematics Instructional Practicum (1-2).

C. Cognates (9 credits)

D. Practicum (recommended)

MTH 395 - Mathematics Instructional Practicum (1-2).

E. Additional Requirements

All requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Bachelor of Arts degree, including General Education requirements , additional BA distribution requirements, and at least 80 credits outside mathematics; or all requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Bachelor of Science degree, including General Education requirements .

Professional Requirements

A. Course Requirements (45 credits)

B. Transition Requirements

Acceptance to Phase II

Completion of at least 55 credits (junior standing), including at least 18 credits in the major and 12 in the minor.
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Successful completion of the SAT or ACT, with scores on file with the University’s Certification Officer.
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase II, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Acceptance to Phase III

Completion of at least 85 credits (senior standing), including at least 90% of the major and minor requirements.
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase III, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Recommendation for Teacher Certification

Completion of at least 124 credits, including all major and minor requirements.
Exit interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the completed Individual Major Portfolio and results of the Student Teaching Evaluation.
Completion of the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) subject area test in the major and minor (where applicable), with a passing score on the major area test.
Completion of an advanced and valid course in first aid and adult and child CPR from an approved provider.
Completion of all paperwork necessary for certification, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Prospective candidates should also study the section entitled General Requirements for Teacher Certification .

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 124 credits