Norfolk State University
Master of Arts in Urban Education, Subject Area Concentration (MASAC)
Option for Mathematics Specialist

This option provides a curriculum for in-service teachers leading to a special MASAC degree, which will satisfy state licensure requirements for Mathematics Specialists. The program combines 15 hours of graduate level mathematics courses, 15 hours of core professional education courses, and 9 hours of educational leadership courses designed for Mathematics Specialist trainees. The program is offered in collaboration with other universities in a statewide consortium offering similar programs. Approved cross registration and substitution of jointly developed courses will be permitted within the consortium institutions. (At least 21 hours must be taken at NSU.) Applicants should be in-service, licensed teachers with at least three years of successful mathematics teaching and must satisfy minimum graduate school entrance requirements. The specific course requirements for the option are:

Total credits: 39

The courses are offered, on demand, to school districts or individuals through the School of Education and the Mathematics Department. Arrangements may be made to offer the courses after school hours at the NSU Tri-Cities Center or at individual school buildings. For further information contact one of the following:

Dr. Melendez Byrd, Chair
Department of Secondary Education
Tel: (757) 823-8178
E-mail: mobyrd@nsu.edu

or

Dr. Phillip McNeil, Professor
Department of Mathematics
Tel: (757) 823-8820
E-mail: pemcneil@nsu.edu

or

Dr. Dennis Montgomery, Director
Special Programs, Continuing Education
Tel: (757) 368-4154
E-mail: dlmontgomery@nsu.edu

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 excellent teachers who are released from full time classroom responsibilities so that they can support the professional growth of their colleagues and promote 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. Their duties also include the sharing of research that addresses 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.