MAT in Mathematics Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program is designed for graduates who wish to teach in middle or high schools (Grades 5–8 or 8–12), have not completed a teaching licensure program, and majored in mathematics or who have taken a minimum of six mathematics courses beyond Calculus I (applicants who are close to completing the prerequisite minimum number of math courses are encouraged to contact the program).

Students in this degree program prepare for Massachusetts initial teacher licensure as they develop their mathematical knowledge for teaching. Program graduates complete courses in professional education, additional graduate courses in mathematics and mathematics education, and a student-teaching experience.

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is a 10-month program for full-time students seeking initial licensure for teaching at the middle or high school levels in accordance with requirements in the state of Massachusetts. Licensure reciprocity exists with many states, but students should investigate specifics in the state of anticipated residence.

The program begins in July each year, though in some cases students may begin in September. It is also possible to complete the degree over a longer time period as a part-time student.

The professional education component consists of the study of curriculum and methods of instruction, adolescent development, classroom management, topics in special education, culturally responsive teaching, working with English language learners, and foundations of education. Students complete a two-semester practicum experience culminating in student-teaching. This combination ensures strength in the field of study combined with a comprehensive set of teaching skills appropriate to adolescents.

Learning Outcomes

• Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives (Well-structured lessons, adjustments to practice; Reflective Practice).
• Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency (High Expectations; Meeting diverse needs; Safe Learning Environment).
• Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
• Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice (Meeting Diverse Needs).
• Demonstrates Subject Matter Knowledge.

Curriculum

Core Education Coursework (12 cr)

• SED CT 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
• SED TL 525 Teaching English Learners in the Middle/High School (4 cr)

Mathematics Education and Mathematics Coursework (16–18 cr)

Students complete 16 credits (approximately four courses) in mathematics education and/or mathematics in consultation with their advisors. Noyce scholars must complete 18 credits. A sampling of coursework is listed below.

• CAS MA 547 Topics in Number Theory (PROMYS Program) (4 cr)
• CAS MA 548 Problem Solving in Number Theory (PROMYS Program) (4 cr)
• SED ME 525 Assessment in Mathematics (2 cr)
• SED ME 530 Equitable Pedagogies in STEM Education (2 cr) (required for Noyce scholars)
• SED ME 559 Mathematics for Teaching: Geometry (4 cr)
• SED ME 560 Mathematics for Teaching: Algebra (4 cr)
• SED ME 563 Problem Solving in Mathematics (4 cr)
• SED ME 565 Mathematics for Teaching: Calculus (4 cr)

Methods and Practicum (14 cr)

In conjunction with the Methods of Teaching Mathematics courses, students are involved in a pre-practicum experience in the fall semester. Then students participate in a 300-hour student-teaching experience in the spring semester, supervised by a trained classroom teacher and Boston University faculty. All students take a methods course and a student-teaching practicum.

• SED ME 508 Student-Teaching Practicum: Mathematics 8–12 (8 cr) or SED ME 507 Student-Teaching Practicum: Mathematics 5–8 (8 cr)
• SED ME 547 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: High School (6 cr) or SED ME 546 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Middle School (6 cr)

Add-On License in Teaching English Language Learners (ESL)

The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages) Program offers a six-course, 26-credit add-on license pathway that allows MAT students in content-specific areas (e.g., English Education, Social Studies Education, Mathematics Education, and Science Education) to meet requirements for a Massachusetts licensure endorsement as Teacher of English Language Learners (ESL). In this course of study, students are exposed to a theoretical introduction to the nature and structure of language, key factors affecting second-language acquisition, and communicative approaches to the teaching of English as a second or foreign language. In addition to the six courses, students are required to complete an ESL Practicum. This pathway requires MAT candidates to add one additional summer and part-time semester to their regular MAT program timeline.

This pathway consists of the following courses:

• SED BI 504 Seminar: The Student Teaching Experience (2 cr)
• SED BI 530 English Language Development: Grade 5–12 English Language Learners (2 cr) or SED BI 535 Literacy Development for Bilingual Students: Instruction and Assessment (4 cr)
• SED BI 620 Educational Issues in Bilingualism (4 cr)
• SED LS 565 Introduction to Linguistics (4 cr)
• SED LS 658 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED TL 508 Methods in Teaching English as a Second Language (4 cr)
• SED TL 582 and 583 Student-Teaching Practicum I and II: ESL, 5–12 (6 cr)