The Mathematics Specialist Program is designed for in-service teachers in grades K-8. In designing their individual programs, in conjunction with their advisors, students may select courses offered by UVA Mathematics and Education departments and courses offered by other collaborating Virginia universities. The program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. It is administered in the Office of Mathematics Outreach.
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.
Program Description
Candidates must enroll in the M.Ed. program in the Curry School of Education and complete an approved program of 33 credit hours. In addition:
- At least 18 of the 33 credits, including the Practicum, shall be granted by UVA. The remainder of the credits must be from consortium partners as approved by the student’s advisor, the UVA Curry School of Education, and the Advisory Committee for the Office of Mathematics Teacher Outreach.
- The Practicum
Off-campus planned experiences for advanced graduate students designed to extend professional competencies that are carried out under supervision of an approved professional. Activities, final report and presentation/publication are directed by the student’s university advisor.
Admission Procedures
Applicants for admission to the program should complete application forms provided by the University of Virginia, Office of Mathematics Teacher Outreach, P.O. Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4762.
In addition to the overall requirements for admission to the M.Ed. Mathematics Specialist program, candidates must:
- Submit evidence of at least three years of successful experience teaching mathematics. One of the two letters of reference should address this experience;
- Submit scores from Graduate Record Exam
- After admission to the program each meet with an advisor to develop a plan of study detailing which courses would be taken as a part of their program and which institutions would be offering the courses.
Course requirements*
* Courses 1-8 above have been specially developed by statewide teams to include competencies required for the proposed Mathematics Specialist license.
** MATH 653 is a prerequisite for all other program courses.
Contact Information
University of Virginia
Office of Mathematics Teacher Outreach
P.O. Box 400764
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4762
M.Ed. Mathematics Specialists Contact:
Loren Pitt
Phone: (434) 982-4890
E-mail: ldp@virginia.edu
