Mathematics Teacher Education Program
Students in the Mathematics Education Undergraduate Program are required to major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. In order to enter the program, a student must pass, with a grade of at least C, and with an overall B average, first year calculus (MAT 125-6-7, or MAT 131-2, or MAT 141-2, or AMS 151,161, or equivalent), Linear Algebra (MAT 211 or AMS 210) and Language Logic Proof (MAT 200). Students then take a rigorous mathematics program, including Mathematical Analysis, Applied or Abstract Algebra, Geometry, Probability and Statistics, the History of Mathematics and at least one course in Computer and/or Calculator based Problem Solving. We strongly believe that a firm basis in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics is crucial to the successful teaching and understanding of mathematics.
Students with the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in mathematics or applied mathematics may apply to the MAT in Mathematics Program. This program includes 12 credits in Masters level mathematics, including a course in Foundations and History of Mathematics. The other mathematics courses are chosen by the student, to be approved by the advisor, in accordance with the individual student's needs.
In addition, students study the foundations of high school mathematics in MAE 301 (501 for graduate students), spend an intensive year studying Methods of Mathematics Education in MAE 311 and 302 (510 and 520 for graduate students), and devote 100 clinical hours to observations, micro-teaching, and working with inclusion students, in both middle and high schools. Some of the observations occur in MAE 311 and 510; the other clinical work occurs in MAE 312 (540), Micro-Teaching. Students are also required to write a research paper in mathematics education in MAE 447 (530 for graduate students). These courses, along with PSY 327, SSE 350 and LIN 344, and CEF 347 prepare our students for a term of student teaching and place them in an excellent position for getting a job and for passing the required tests.
Students should also contact the Mathematics Teacher Education Program Director or the Mathematics Undergraduate Program Director for information about the five-year accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Program.
The Certification Programs for Secondary Education in Mathematics are integral components of the Department of Mathematics, in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our programs prepare students to become teachers of Secondary School Mathematics in grades 7-12. Undergraduate, graduate and five-year accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Programs are available. The undergraduate program, which is described further on the departments' websites, requires a major in the Department of Mathematics or in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Mathematics Program leads to certification at the graduate level for students who already have a baccalaureate degree. More information is available on the University’s School of Professional Development MAT inMath page.
Both undergraduate and graduate programs feature courses in essential methods in pedagogy as well as extensive practical experience in a variety of educational settings in neighborhood schools. The real and varied classroom experiences that our students experience allow them to begin teaching confident that they can handle the immediate challenges. Our emphasis on mathematics, the use of technology, formal and informal assessments, and the use of manipulatives provides them with the necessary background for professional growth and development.
In both the undergraduate and graduate programs, students are exposed to constructivist and other learning theories and various pedagogical strategies, including cooperative learning techniques. They focus on developing approaches to problem solving that will help motivate their own students. They learn to work with graphing calculators and computers as mathematical tools and also as teaching tools, as aids to conjecture and discovery. They also gain experience working with inclusion students; this is an important part of their preparation for the future fieldwork. Above all, our program has a strong emphasis on learning mathematics, for present content as well as for future growth, and on developing an appreciation of the beauty of the subject and of its connections to art and science.
The Mathematics Secondary Education Certification Programs at Stony Brook are aligned with the national standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students spend over 100 hours observing classes at the junior and senior high school levels. They then engage in an intensive program of micro-teaching where they aid two different teachers and teach several lessons. This is followed by the full-time student teaching practicum, which prepares them for all the aspects of teaching. The Stony Brook Mathematics Department strives to educate future teachers with strong backgrounds in mathematics. In Suffolk County our program has been widely recognized for its excellence and for the thoroughness with which our students have been prepared for the classroom. Many of our students are hired in the local schools, often in the same districts where they have done their student teaching. A further link to the local school districts comes from our involvement in their Math Meets and Math Fairs. A multicultural approach to mathematics is part of the programs. It provides students with rich experiences and prepares them for a wide range of teaching opportunities.
Contact Information
Lisa Berger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Program Director
Tel (631)632-8278
Lisa.Berger@stonybrookedu
Scott Sutherland, Ph.D.
Professor
Undergraduate Director
Tel (631)632-7306
Scott.Sutherland@stonybrook.edu
Department of Mathematics
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3651
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