Master of Education, Mathematics

What is a mathematics specialist? Mathematics specialists are teacher leaders with strong preparation and background in mathematics content, instructional strategies and school leadership. Based in elementary and middle schools, mathematics specialists are former classroom teachers who are responsible for supporting the professional growth of their colleagues and promoting enhanced mathematics instruction and student learning throughout their schools. They are responsible for strengthening classroom teachers’ understanding of mathematics content, and helping teachers develop more effective mathematics teaching practices that allow all students to reach high standards as well as sharing research addressing how students learn mathematics.  The overarching purpose for mathematics specialists is to increase the mathematics achievement of all the students in their schools. To do so, they

• Collaborate with individual teachers through co-planning, co-teaching and coaching
• Assist administrative and instructional staff in interpreting data and designing approaches to improve student achievement and instruction
• Ensure that the school curriculum is aligned with state and national standards and their school division’s mathematics curriculum
• Promote teachers’ delivery and understanding of the school curriculum through collaborative long-range and short-range planning
• Facilitate teachers’ use of successful, research-based instructional strategies, including differentiated instruction for diverse learners such as those with limited English proficiency or disabilities
• Work with parent/guardians and community leaders to foster continuing home/school/community partnerships focused on students’ learning of mathematics
• Collaborate with administrators to provide leadership and vision for a school-wide mathematics program.

What is the mathematics specialist endorsement? The mathematics specialist endorsement may be added to a teaching license provided the specific endorsement requirements set forward in the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel have been met.

How do I find out about the regional cohorts? Contact Vickie Inge at vinge@virginia.edu or 434-982-4946. The Mathematics Outreach Office collaborates with local school divisions to establish cohorts in different regions across the state. 

I'm interested in applying to this master's degree. You must apply to the program to earn the master's degree. Contact Vickie Inge at vinge@virginia.edu or 434-982-4946 to request an application.

I already have a master’s degree. I just want to be eligible for the K-8 Mathematics Specialist Endorsement. You can take any of the courses that are being offered as part of this program without applying to the master’s degree. You will need to review the requirements for this endorsement in the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel to determine what courses you will need to complete to satisfy the requirements. You can ask your school division’s Human Resources Office to submit your credentials to the Office of Education and Licensure at the Virginia Department of Education and request that they be reviewed to determine what courses you will need to meet all the requirements set forward in the policy.

I already have a master’s degree. Can I earn a second master’s degree in the mathematics specialist program? Yes, students can earn a second master’s degree by satisfying the requirements in the mathematics specialist master’s degree program .

I have credits from another institution that I would like to transfer to this program. How do I know if they will transfer? Students interested in transferring credits are generally allowed to transfer a maximum of six credits. Transfer of credits is based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student's intended major and degree program, the quality of the student's performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. Coursework must not be older than five years. Transfer decisions are made by the program's advisor.

Can I enroll in just a few courses? I'm not interested in earning the master's degree nor do I want to be a mathematics specialist. Yes, you may enroll in courses for professional development. They carry graduate credit and may be used at a later date for a degree program with permission from the degree program advisor. Student’s who enroll for professional development will need to take MATH 653 Numbers and Operations before they can enroll in other courses.

Is it possible to offer this program in my region? Contact Vickie Inge at vinge@virginia.edu or 434-982-4946. The Mathematics Outreach Office collaborates with local school divisions to establish cohorts in different regions across the state. 

Is this course being offered this semester? You can check on the availability of a course by contacting Vickie Inge at vinge@virginia.edu or 434-982-4946.

Where can I get a course description? Click on the course links to view a course description.

How do I register for a course?  Contact vinge@virginia.edu or 434-982-4946.