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

Two students in a math classroom collaboratively working on a learning project.

Inspire Young Minds with Mathematics

At Westfield State University, you’ll do more than study mathematics — you’ll live it, teach it, and bring it to life for the next generation. Our Middle School Mathematics Licensure program for grades 5–8 combines a strong academic foundation with an active, hands-on approach to learning. From the first year, you’ll engage in projects, portfolios, group work, and outdoor activities like sidewalk chalk mathematics, making math creative, collaborative, and meaningful.

Work closely with passionate faculty who prioritize your success. Many courses use customized materials developed by professors, instead of traditional textbooks, giving you an engaging and dynamic learning experience. As you develop your communication skills through writing and presenting on mathematical topics, you'll also have the chance to participate in professional conferences and community volunteering, gaining valuable real-world experience.

Westfield State’s program prepares you to meet Massachusetts licensure requirements and equips you with the tools for a rewarding career in education. Our graduates go on to make a meaningful impact in both public and private school classrooms.

Program Highlights

  • Early opportunities for classroom observation and hands-on teaching
  • Work with peers on math-focused group activities
  • Develop the ability to explain math in clear, accessible ways
  • Receive one-on-one mentoring from dedicated faculty

Ready to Shape the Future of Math Education?

Join our Middle School Mathematics Licensure program and start making an impact today.

Empowering Future Educators Through Creative Learning and Leadership

  • Students in a math class creating balloon animals as part of a hands-on project.

    Innovative Teaching Strategies and Creative Learning

    At Westfield State, we emphasize innovative approaches to teaching mathematics. Students are encouraged to explore dynamic methods for engaging middle school students with math, from using technology and games to developing interactive lesson plans. The program integrates creative activities and collaborative projects that require students to solve real-world problems. These strategies help future educators learn how to make math both enjoyable and relatable, fostering a deeper understanding for their students.

  • Math student assisting peers at the Math Tutoring Center.

    Developing Leadership and Classroom Management Skills

    The Middle School Mathematics Licensure program is designed to prepare you for leadership in the classroom. Beyond mastering math content, you’ll develop strong classroom management techniques and leadership skills that are essential for creating a positive learning environment. Through field experiences and collaborative work with peers, you’ll gain practical tools to confidently lead a classroom, adapt to diverse student needs, and maintain an effective, inclusive teaching space. The program helps you cultivate both your mathematical expertise and your ability to inspire and guide students.

  • Math students wearing caps and gowns at commencement, proudly holding the Mathematics Department flag.

    Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

    Designed to prepare you for leadership in the classroom, the Middle School Mathematics Licensure program goes beyond mastering math content. You’ll develop strong classroom management techniques and leadership skills that are essential for creating a positive learning environment. Through field experiences and collaborative work with peers, you’ll gain practical tools to confidently lead a classroom, adapt to diverse student needs, and maintain an effective, inclusive teaching space. The program helps you cultivate both your mathematical expertise and your ability to inspire and guide students.

Program Details

Math 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.
Education Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to: 

  • Describe/explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of his or her discipline(s) and create learning experiences that make the aspects of any subject matter meaningful for students.
  • Describe and discuss how children learn and develop and provide learning opportunities or environments that support their intellectual, social, and personal development. 
  • Describe/explain how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
  • Use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
  • Create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. 
  • Use a variety of instructional media to foster student learning and collaboration.
  • Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. 
  • Use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.
  • Be a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of their choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. 
  • Foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well-being.

What Can You Do with a Mathematics, Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (5-8), B.A.?

A Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Teacher of Mathematics Licensure (5-8) opens up a variety of career paths, especially in the field of education. Here are some potential career options:

  • Middle School Mathematics Teacher
  • Mathematics Coach or Specialist
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Education Consultant
  • Higher Education/Graduate Studies
  • Educational Researcher
Math student working on a classroom project, using scissors to cut paper.

Ready to learn more?

Course 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.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Small Classes taught by full-time, tenure track faculty with a doctorate

  • Vast Opportunities to tutor both on and off campus 

  • Undergraduate research opportunities

Not Your Standard Classroom Experience

Our energetic and dedicated faculty are passionate about providing creative classroom instruction and active learning. You’ll master complex mathematical concepts through alternative educational experiences like portfolio creation, cooperative learning, guided discovery and problem solving, interdisciplinary perspectives, innovative faculty-developed coursework, community service, and more.

Alex Moore teaching students in a classroom

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

What scholarships are available?

S-STEM scholarship is available to Incoming full-time first-year​​​​ Westfield State University students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Mathematics, with low-income status defined as Pell Grant eligible by the Financial Aid Office and an average GPA equal to or higher than 2.8, are eligible to apply.

Learn more

STEM-ACT is a program that provides scholarship support for Westfield State University STEM (Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Mathematics) secondary education students that are passionate about social justice and advancing STEM education. Students are encouraged to apply in their sophomore year to be admitted to the program for their junior and senior years. 

Learn more

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. Learn more about our student support services here.

Additionally, the Math Tutoring Center is available to anyone taking a math course at WSU.

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