Mathematics Degree (B.A.) with Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (5-8)

We teach Mathematics differently

Our Mathematics Department focuses on creative classroom instruction and active learning. The Mathematics Department offers its students an energetic and dedicated faculty who find the world of mathematics exciting and challenging, and coursework that provides students with opportunities to experience the wonders of mathematics. Our courses are inquiry based, interactive and exploratory.

  • Hands-on learning with activities and projects, portfolios, group work and cooperative learning
  • Small department, with classes capped at 25 and a 1:7 faculty/student ratio
  • We “go outside and play” with mathematics activities, such as sidewalk chalk mathematics
  • You'll be writing about mathematics and reading and writing about mathematical literature
  • You're encouraged to present at conferences and volunteer in the community
  • Many faculty have developed customized course materials instead of using standard textbooks
  • Our graduates go on to teach in public and private school systems.

Mathematics Department Website

Requirements

Licensure for Teacher of Mathematics (5-8)

Westfield State University is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) at the initial and advanced levels. 

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Mathematics has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Westfield State University's teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Student progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see the section on Licensure for Teacher Education.

In order to be eligible for student teaching, a student must have completed all required course and field work, have an overall GPA of 2.8 (including transfer work), and have a passing grade in the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (i.e., Communication and Literacy and subject matter tests).

Undergraduate Mathematics Majors Who Wish to be Certified to Teach Mathematics at the Middle School Level Must:

Requirements for Mathematics Majors

Requirements - 54 Credits

Note:

No more than 6 credits of MATH 0399 and no more than 3 credits of MATH 0360 may be used to satisfy the math major.

Professional Sequence: Middle (Grades 5-8)

The Professional Sequence for Middle must be completed by students intending to teach an academic subject area in the middle school. Students must complete an academic major in the subject area in which the licensure is sought.

Professional Sequence Core

Professional Sequence Courses

Appropriate Practicum

Pedagogical Coursework

An overall 2.8 GPA plus a 3.0 GPA in the pedagogical sequence specific to your licensure program prior to practicum is required. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students have the ability to explore and understand advanced mathematical knowledge.
  • Students effectively communicate mathematical ideas.
  • Students use the language of mathematical proof correctly and appropriately.
  • Students understand the interconnectedness of mathematics.
  • Students understand applications and real-world uses of mathematics.
Westfield State student teacher with student