Teacher Education Home Page
Initial Teacher Certification Graduate Program
Secondary Education:
Mathematics [Grades 7-12] (Ed.M.)
The Mathematics Education program follows the standards and recommendations of leading mathematics professional organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The curriculum is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of the interests and abilities of students at different levels of mathematics achievement. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills, mathematical thinking processes and methods of actively engaging children and young adults in their own learning.
If you have additional questions about the Mathematics Education program, please contact:
Steve Ryan, Assistant Professor
email: spryan@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-5240
Program Requirements
The graduate Secondary Education Program with a concentration in Mathematics Education may be completed for certification only or certification plus a master's degree. All applicants are initially admitted to the Master's Program. After successfully completing the minimum requirements for Certification, students may choose to leave the program with certification-only or may elect to continue in the program and complete the additional credit hours and requirements to receive certification and a Master’s degre. The program requires a minimum of 25 semester hours for certification-only and 31 semester hours for certification plus a master's degree.
Introductory Courses (6 S.H.)
- ED 5605: Models of Teaching
- ED 5402: Child and Adolescent Development
Pedagogy and Core Courses (18 S.H.)
- SEC ED. 5471: Differentiating Literacy Instruction in Disciplines, 7-12
- ED 5404: Teaching Mathematics in Middle Grades
- MAES 5471: Teaching of Mathematics
- TESL 8631: Foundations of Language Teaching
- SPED 5666: Inclusive School Practices
- ED 5888: Student Teaching & Seminars
Additional Courses for M.Ed. (6 S.H.)
- ED 5255: TCPK for Teachers
- ED 5409: Research Methods and Induction Capstone (must be taken after ED 5888)
Credit for Graduate Study Prior to Admission
Students may take up to, but not more than, nine semester hours of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits will transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing certification courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must meet the general admission standards of the College of Education and the Graduate School. A personal interview is not required.
Minimum Testing Requirements:
- Applicants must provide office score reports demonstrating a passing score the Praxis II in the appropriate content area in order to be admitted to the program.
Praxis II: Tests & Score Information* PA Certification Area Test Code Specialty Test Title PA Qualifying Score Mathematics 0061 Mathematics: Content Knowledge 136 (Effective 9/1/99)
*Information provided for general reference and is subject to change. Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website at www.pde.state.pa.us or call the PDE Bureau of Teacher Certification and Preparation at (717) 787-3356 for the most-current information about testing requirements for certification. Taking the wrong Praxis Examinations will delay the certification process.
- Non-native speakers of English must take the TOEFL examinations. Scores of at least 575 are necessary for admission to the program (230 on the computer based version). Students who score between 575 and 600 (230-250 on the computer- version) must take an English refresher course.
Undergraduate Major Coursework Requirement
All applicants must fulfill required prerequisites before admission. Before being admitted to the Secondary Education Program with a specialization in Mathematics, applicants must have completed a major or the equivalent with approximately 30 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in the subject area (beginning with Calculus). Interested students who are not sure if prerequisites have been fulfilled should meet with an advisor before completing an application.
Minimum Undergraduate GPA Requirement:
Applications of students that do not meet the 3.0 UGPA (requirement) may be considered for admission by the Graduate School if they meet one of the following exceptions:
- Standard exceptions: 3.5 UGPA during the last two years AND a minimum of 3.25 Graduate GPA for nine semester hours (typically taken as a non-matriculated student in the program prior to application for admission)
- Special exceptions: Applicants who do not meet regular admission criteria may be considered for a special exception if a compelling case can be made for admitting them. These special exceptions will only be rarely granted.
Clearances and Background Checks
In addition, state and federal criminal background checks, a TB test, and a child abuse clearance are required to be eligible to complete the program. Applicants must complete and upload documentation of clearances prior to the start of their program. Visit Required Clearances for Working in Pennsyvlania Schools for details.
How to Apply:
A completed application will include:
- Graduate School Online Application – NOTE: select application type “Teacher Certification EdM”. Under "Planned Course of Study" select: "Secondary Education-MED" and then indicate "Mathematics Education" as your desired concentration area.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and graduate schools attended.
- Praxis II scores. All applicants must submit passing Praxis II scores in their respective content areas.
- TOEFL examinations scores for non-native speakers of English. Non-native speakers of English must take the TOEFL examinations. TOFEL scores of at least 575 are necessary for admission to the program (230 on the computer based version). Students who score between 575 and 600 (230-250 on the computer-version) must take an English refresher course.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation [pdf] are required. Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members and others who can provide insight into the applicant's academic competence.
- A Statement of Professional Plans and Goals. In the Statement of Goals, applicants should indicate their goals and objectives for obtaining teacher certification in their speciality area. The statement should be approximately 500-1,000 words in length and should include the following elements: your specific interest in Temple’s program; your future career goals; any job-related experiences that are relevant to the program; and your academic and research achievements and interests.
- A current professional resume.
Submitting Your Materials
See the Application Checklist for complete details on how to submit your application materials. Required supplemental materials should be sent attention to:
Graduate Programs Office
Attn. Application Processing
Temple University - College of Education
150 Ritter Annex
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091
Please allow delivery and processing time before your application will be reviewed. For faster service, the College of Education at Temple University also receives supporting application materials for graduate admissions electronically via the Interfolio service.
It is the student's responsibility to see that everything is completed by the deadline date.
Application deadlines:
To be considered for admission, your complete application, including all required supplemental materials must be post-marked no later than:
- For Fall admission: April 1
- For Spring admission: October 1
Completed applications received by the deadline are guaranteed a decision for the upcoming term. Applications received after the stated deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis. Once an application is complete and all required materials have been received, students can expect to receive a decision within 30 days (excluding summer).
We strongly encourage applicants to apply early and to periodically check TUPortal (http://tuportal.temple.edu) as to the status of their materials.
Contact Information
If you have additional questions about Temple’s initial teacher certification programs at the graduate level (degree and non-degree), please contact:
Graduate Teacher Certification Advisor
email:edcert@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-6026
office: 150 Ritter Annex
