Become an Outstanding Math Teacher
The best math teachers, from elementary grades through high school, know how to help their students become capable, confident, and comfortable using numbers. IUP’s nationally recognized BSEd in Mathematics Education will prepare you to become an exceptional and caring math teacher your students will remember for years to come.
The BSEd in Mathematics Education program has two specializations so you can focus on the grades you want to teach:
- Middle-level education for grades 4–8: you'll be certified to teach all the core subjects in grades 4-6 and math in grades 7-8.
- Secondary mathematics for grades 7–12
Our professors care about your success and will work closely with you to develop your skills as a math teacher. You’ll learn how to work collaboratively and effectively with students of all types, in public, private, and online school settings.
Why Major in Mathematics Education at IUP?
Good math teachers are in high demand in Pennsylvania and across the country. IUP’s mathematics education program has a well-established reputation for graduating well-prepared math teachers who can build connections with students of all abilities and backgrounds. As an IUP graduate, you will excel as a math teacher because our program is built on:
- Research-based instruction
- Cutting-edge learning technologies
- Intensive field experience in classroom settings
You’ll take part in a required first-year seminar where you’ll meet and work with other mathematics education majors and students in similar degree programs. And every math education student has an experienced advisor who will help guide you through the program, discuss options, and talk through any questions you may have.
IUP's program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and has been recognized for having high standards. In fact, CAEP provided our Mathematics Education program's accreditation report as an example for other universities to follow.
What You’ll Learn
Led by our talented and dedicated faculty, IUP’s BSEd in Mathematics Education program prepares you to become a thoughtful, qualified math teacher. Math education students may choose from two specializations: middle-level grades 4–8 and secondary grades 7–12. Students in both specializations take many of the same liberal studies and major courses. As a group, you’ll work through the core mathematics content and learn teaching strategies together.
Each specialization also has its own classes that prepare you to earn teacher certification for core subjects in grades 4–8 (middle level) or math 7–12 (secondary). In addition, the BSEd in Mathematics Education program provides your first true experience as a math teacher. You will take one semester of pre-student teaching in your junior year, another semester of pre-teaching in your senior year, then student teaching in the last semester of your senior year.
Total credit hours needed:
- 120 for secondary mathematics specialization
- 120 for middle-level mathematics specialization
For requirements leading to teacher certification, see the section titled “3-Step Process for Teacher Education” in the College of Education and Communications of the undergraduate catalog.
Imagine Your Future
Jobs for math teachers are plentiful. The US has a severe shortage of mathematics teachers, giving you many opportunities to get a job almost anywhere in the country.
The 2022–23 American Association in Education Educator Supply and Demand in the United States Report shows math teachers are in the top five highest-shortage categories across the nation. You could also work in a different country in an American school.
Graduates of IUP's program have a stellar track record landing jobs—100 percent of students who want teaching jobs get them.
Median salaries for mathematics teachers are listed here. Teachers can earn more during the school year by taking on extra duties, such as serving as a student club sponsor or coach.
Career Opportunities in Mathematics Education
- High school mathematics teacher
- Middle school mathematics teacher
- Elementary school teacher in core subjects, grades 4–6
- Teacher in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math)
- Technology teacher
Similar Occupations
- Computer science teacher
- Curriculum specialist
- Math coach
- Professional development speaker
- Science teacher
- Textbook representative
- Tutor
Career Benefits
- Employment benefits for teachers may include:
- Health insurance
- Personal days
- Professional development pay
- Sick days
- Course pay
- Conference support
- Financial stability
- Rewarding relationships with students and colleagues
- Work-life balance:
- Healthy schedule
- Time to refresh during winter, spring, and summer breaks
- Possibility of earlier retirement
Classes and Requirements
As a student in the mathematics education program, you will take courses in instructional strategies and math content designed specifically for teachers. These courses, such as Algebra for Mathematics Instruction, will help you develop the math content knowledge you’ll need to teach middle school or high school mathematics.
Just as important as the math and education classes you’ll take, hands-on experience student teaching in schools is essential. Starting in your junior year, you’ll follow this class sequence:
- Pre-student Teaching Clinical Experience I
- Pre-student Teaching Clinical Experience II
- Student Teaching
Students find success in the BSEd in Mathematics Education program by attending classes consistently, taking part in study groups, and seeking extra help when they need it.
Math education students who complete the program requirements will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Mathematics Education, with a specialization in secondary mathematics (7–12 certification) or in middle-level education (core subjects 4–6, mathematics specialization 7-8). All students seeking Pennsylvania teacher certification must follow the requirements titled “3-Step Process for Teacher Education,” described in the College of Education and Communications section of the undergraduate catalog.
Teacher Certification Requirements
All students seeking teacher certification must meet the requirements of the Three-Step Process for Teacher Education.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Research Opportunities for Students
When you’re in the mathematics education program, you can benefit from working with professors on research. These experiences let you collaborate with others and think critically about challenges, such as how to answer a research question, how to write about a tested math lesson to share with others, or how to present an intriguing idea for teaching mathematics.
Some recent examples of student research activities:
- One student conducted a research project on “Developing a Framework for Technology-Enhanced Mathematics Instruction” through IUP’s Undergraduate Summer Opportunities for Applying Research Program.
- A secondary mathematics education student worked with a professor, and they published an article on introducing high school students to the field of actuarial science.
- At the Western Pennsylvania Pre-Service Teacher Day Conference at Duquesne University, two students gave a presentation on their original math lesson on triangle inequality and received the Outstanding Poster award.
Student Club for Math Education Majors
Mathematics education students at IUP have their own club, Preservice Teachers of Mathematics. By being active in the club, you can gain leadership experience and develop new skills and methods for teaching mathematics. Club members:
- Participate and present at math education conferences.
- Take part in workshops designed for future math teachers.
- Assist in math lessons for local elementary, middle, and high school students.
Contact the club’s faculty advisor, Professor Valerie Long, at vlong@iup.edu, to express your interest in joining.
Similar Majors and Potential Minors
As you explore majors at IUP, you may want to consider options similar to the BSEd in Mathematics Education program. If you choose the BSEd in Mathematics Education program, you can consider enhancing your degree with a minor that is a good fit with the program.
Have a Bachelor’s Degree? Earn Your Teaching Credentials
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, IUP offers you the opportunity to earn your teaching certification in math education at either the middle or secondary level.
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Middle-level specialization: If you are interested in teaching grades 4–8 mathematics, contact Professor Edel Reilly, coordinator of the middle-level mathematics specialization, at ereilly@iup.edu.
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Secondary specialization: If you are interested in teaching grades 7–12 mathematics, contact program coordinator Professor Brian Sharp at bds@iup.edu.
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If you are interested in earning a graduate degree while pursuing your teaching credentials, contact Professor Valerie Long, graduate coordinator for the Masters in Education in Mathematics Education program.
Work toward Your Master’s Degree as an Undergraduate
While you are in the BSEd in Mathematics Education program, you can work toward a master’s degree by applying for early admission into the MEd in Mathematics Education program. Once accepted, you may take up to four graduate courses that will also count as undergraduate credits. For more information, contact the graduate coordinator, Professor Valerie Long, at vlong@iup.edu.
High school students interested in pursuing both the BSEd and MEd degrees in Mathematics Education may apply for IUP's 4+1 program.
Elementary and Middle-Level Mathematics Minor
Math teachers are in high demand across the US. If you’re in other IUP education programs, you can make yourself even more marketable by adding a minor in mathematics education. Early childhood or special education majors, in particular, could benefit from adding a math education minor, because school districts are seeking teachers who are well qualified to teach math.
This minor does not lead directly to a teaching certification. However, you can obtain additional certification to teach mathematics at the middle level by passing the appropriate Praxis Exam.
The minor in Elementary and Middle-Level Mathematics is 18 credits, with 12 credits from required courses and six credits from controlled electives. To sign up, contact Professor Yong Colen, coordinator of the minor in middle-level mathematics, at yscolen@iup.edu.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this minor.
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