Mathematics Specialists Graduate Certificate

This course is designed for educators and teacher-leaders seeking to enhance their mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical skills. Participants will critically examine their own mathematical identities and those of their students, while exploring a range of curricular tools and assessment practices. The course also addresses methods for engaging families and communities in the educational process. Throughout the course, participants will deepen their understanding of how children learn mathematics and apply various research-based teaching strategies to their practice, broadening their knowledge of effective mathematics instruction.

The course will examine principles and aspects of formative assessment with a focus on establishing conceptual based mathematics learning targets, gathering and analyzing evidence of students’ thinking related to the learning target, providing feedback to students and deeply involving students in processes that will help them move their own learning forward. Research review, discussions, in-class exercises, practical experiences and action research on the integration of these formative assessment aspects within mathematics instruction will be an integral part of this course.

Students will engage with research and theory that supports mathematics intervention in schools. Participants will connect the research to their school and/or district culture to consider critical aspects of the intervention process including: recognizing who it is important for you to work with and how that work might be best accomplished, analyzing school data, identifying students who need support using diagnostic assessment tools, examining systems for universal screening, using formative and summative assessment to inform instruction, evidence-based practices, and sharing data with other school personnel and with families.

This course provides an exploration of the theoretical and practical aspects of mathematics coaching and focuses on the roles, tools, and structural supports that underpin a successful coaching program. Participants will examine different frameworks utilized by mathematics coaches to foster research-based, student-centered mathematics instruction. Emphasis will be placed on aligning coaching practices with evidence-based teaching methodologies. Through critical analysis of their school’s or district’s readiness for effective coaching, participants will develop a practical suite of tools and strategies to help effectively implement and sustain mathematics coaching within their schools or districts.

This course examines research on effective professional development and peer mentorship for mathematics educators. Participants will apply this information in a modified field experience to create a customized professional learning experience that addresses specific needs and goals of adult learners. Emphasizing one-on-one or small-group settings, the course involves developing learning goals, assessing progress, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating responsive professional development. Key topics include curricular design, pedagogical strategies, effective facilitation techniques, and methods for evaluating the impact of professional development. Students will develop the skills necessary to support and enhance the growth of others through practical, hands-on activities and real-world applications.