Elementary Mathematics Specialist Certification

The call to improve student achievement in mathematics is particularly challenging at the elementary level where teachers generally receive limited specialized training in mathematics or mathematics pedagogy. In order to address this demand for highly-trained mathematics teachers who may act as administrators and supervisors of mathematics programs, mathematics coaches, and teachers of mathematics at the elementary level, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has established an advanced certification of Elementary Mathematics Specialist. This program is designed to prepare students for this certification by offering in-depth study of grade appropriate mathematics as specified in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics(2010), supervised application of pedagogy and leadership training.

Prerequisites for Elementary (1-6) Mathematics Specialist Certificate

1. A valid Missouri permanent or professional certificate of license to teach;
2. At least two (2) years of experience teaching elementary or middle school mathematics.

Requirements Beyond the Coursework for this Advanced Certification

1. A recommendation of the certification officer at Northwest or other university with an approved program of student. (See the Subject Field Requirements (24 hr.) below.)
2. A completed content knowledge or specialty area test designated by the State Board of Education with a score equal to or greater than the Missouri Qualifying Score.

Requirements

Subject Field Requirements (24)

MATH 17623	Data and Probability for Elementary Mathematics Specialists	3
MATH 17625	Number and Operation for Elementary Mathematics Specialists	3
MATH 17626	Rational Numbers and Ratio and Proportional Relationships for Elementary Mathematics Specialists	3
MATH 17627	Algebraic Reasoning for Elementary Mathematics Specialists	3
MATH 17628	Geometry and Measurement for Elementary Mathematics Specialists	3
EDCI 62623	Mathematical Leadership for Elementary Mathematics Specialists: Foundations	2
EDCI 62624	Mathematical Leadership for Elementary Mathematics Spec.: Influencing and Facilitating Improvement	3
EDCI 62625	Seminar and Internship in Number and Operation	1
EDCI 62626	Seminar and Internship in Rational Numbers and Proportional Thinking	1
EDCI 62627	Seminar and Internship in Algebraic Reasoning	1
EDCI 62628	Seminar and Internship in Geometry and Measurement	1

Degree requirements for the M.S.Ed. Elementary Mathematics, which includes the courses required for the Elementary Mathematics Specialist advanced certification (see above), may be found in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Systems section (College of Arts and Sciences) of the Graduate Catalog.