Master in Teaching Math and Science

Critical Need for Math and Science Teachers

Students from the US are not meeting standards in math and science at the same rate as other countries. The recent Trends in International Math and Science Studies (TIMSS) suggests that the US is actually going backwards! Many influential groups at both the federal and state levels believe the best way to improve student performance on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) exams is to increase the number of quality STEM teachers and support them with significant professional development.

The MTMS Degree

The Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (MTMS) degree is a 60 graduate credit, internship-based program of study leading to recommendation for Washington State Residency Certification. The MTMS degree is designed for candidates seeking to teach at the middle, junior high, and senior high school levels in one of the following endorsement areas:

• Mathematics
• General Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Earth & Space Science
• Middle-level mathematics
• Middle-level Science

If you are interested in teaching in a subject area other than math/science, consider the Alternative Routes to Certification program.

Although similar to other SPU teacher certification/master's degree programs (e.g. ARC, MAT), the MTMS differs in that several of the courses are tailored specifically to pedagogy and methodology appropriate for math and science rather than a general curriculum applicable to any subject area endorsement.

Intensive Field-Based Learning in Schools

The MTMS is a cohort-driven, full-time, field-based degree. The MTMS offers classes in three formats and takes 14 months to complete, running continuously from summer through summer (5 quarters). Except for the summers, and one night a week during the school year, remaining coursework takes place either online or in a school setting. The traditional on-campus classes meet Wednesday nights from approximately 4:30 - 9:00. The online courses allow candidates to engage in virtual learning and benefit from asynchronous discussion formats. The field-based classes allow candidates to observe course concepts applied in the classroom and to engage professionals in learning-focused discussions.

Candidates spend most of their time (30+ hours per week) in the schools, working the same schedule as a teacher. For their internship, candidates are paired with a qualified mentor teacher and conduct supervised teaching in a school setting for the entire school year (3 quarters, September - June, 5 days a week). The MTMS internship follows a CoTeaching model where a mentor teacher and a teacher candidate are both actively involved and engaged in all aspects of instruction. As a team, they share the planning, organization, delivery and assessment of instruction.

Program Benefits

School districts with job openings are known to seek Seattle Pacific graduates for both their competence and their character. Completing SPU's MTMS degree gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Other benefits of the program include:

• Focus on teaching methods and techniques specifically related to mathematics and science
• Completion of Washington state residency certification in one year
• Completion of a master of teaching degree
• Progression through the program with fellow students in a cohort
• Field-based experiences with diverse learners
• Personalized advisement and mentoring from full-time faculty
• Guaranteed enrollment in certification and MTMS core courses
• Technology instruction embedded in the curriculum
• Creation of a personalized Teacher Development Plan

Courses that make up the MTMS program experience:

Essential Certification Courses

EDU 6918 Introduction to Teaching (4 credits)

EDU 6130 Classroom Management (3)

EDU 6132 Learners in Context (3)

EDU 6133 Diversity in America (3)

EDU 6134 Professional Issues: Child Abuse and Others (2)

EDU 6139 Leadership in Teaching (3)

Field-based internship (14)

The MTMS “Core” Component (including relevant course descriptions)
EDU 6170 – Inquiry, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Math and Science I (3 credits)

The first of a four-course sequence addressing general and content-specific teaching methods, standards-based assessment, and professional issues for math and science teachers. Focuses on planning for instruction, inquiry-based teaching strategies, and introduction to state and national math and science standards. Includes microteaching.

EDU 6171 – Inquiry, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Math and Science II (3)

The second of a four-course sequence. Focuses on content-specific instructional strategies; formative assessment, including analysis of student work; structured classroom observations; and introduction to professional organizations.

EDU 6172 – Inquiry, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Math and Science III (2)

The third of a four-course sequence. Focuses on assessment, particularly development of skills and judgment needed to integrate assessment into instruction; and analysis of teaching practice.

EDU 6173 – Inquiry, Teaching, and Assessment Methods for Math and Science IV (2)

The fourth of a four-course sequence. Focuses on research in improving teaching, including choice of effective instructional strategies; reflection on the relationship between theory and practice; planning for ongoing professional development, and other professional issues.

EDTC 6500 – Educational Technology for Math & Science (3 credits)

Provides experience in the use of technology to solve problems and enhance teaching in math and science.  Includes exploration and evaluation of currently available resources and general principles for the choice and use of emerging technologies.

EDU 6978 – Introduction to STEM Education Research (3 credits)

Investigates research methods and findings in math and science education, including research into student thinking and how people learn, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment methods.

Graduate Degree Component

EDU 6085 Moral Issues in Education (3)

EDU 6644 Educating Exceptional Students (3)

EDU 6120 American Education: Past & Present (3)

One 3-credit elective

Teacher candidates who enter the MTMS program with a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university will only need to complete the certification component, the MTMS “Core” component and EDU 6085 to receive a second master's degree.

The MTMS program recognizes the “alternative routes” to certification that have been identified by Professional Educator Standards Board of Washington (PESB; www.pesb.wa.gov) for individuals who possess a unique set of qualifications and wish to be certified to teach math and/or science in a classroom. The Washington State Legislature offers an $8 000 conditional loan-scholarship for MTMS candidates through PESB. Eligibility for the WA conditional loan-scholarship includes interning in a public school classroom.

All MTMS applicants will need to demonstrate appropriate and sufficient background content knowledge in order to fulfill endorsement competency requirements for their desired subject area. Please contact Dr. Greg Gelderman at (206)281-2376 or geldeg@spu.edu if you are interested in the MTMS program but did not complete a major in one of the above areas as part of your baccalaureate degree. 

Application Requirements

• Meet university graduate admission requirements, including the submission of GRE or MAT scores. However, the GRE or MAT requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or with a master's degree.
• Complete a graduate application form, available online at www.spu.edu/graduate.
• Submit a transcript for bachelor's degree verification.
• Meet endorsement requirements for the desired teaching area.
• Be able to participate in a year long, full-time internship.
• Pass the WEST-B basic competency test.
• Pass the WEST-E competency test. The WEST-E website provides an explanation on which test to choose. If you wish, please check with the Certification Coordinator (206-281-2214) to verify that you are taking the correct test.
• Submit an OPSI character and fitness supplement.
• Write a personal statement with reference to the School of Education conceptual framework, which centers on four essential commitments of educators: service, leadership, competence and character. Address your own development on each commitment as a future teacher. 500 word limit. List any significant experiences working with K-12 aged students in a school or other setting. Please include the length of time of each experience. Bullet form is acceptable.
• Submit a professional résumé and two letters of recommendation.
• $50.00 application fee.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR THE 2012 MTMS PROGRAM IS FEBRUARY 1, 2012.

MTMS applicants who meet all admission requirements, including an initial screening of their complete application file, will be interviewed on March 10, 2012. All applicants should make arrangements to be available for from approximately 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Seattle Pacific University. All correspondence regarding the interview process will be carried out by email using the address provided in the application. Please set your email filters accordingly.

The 2012 MTMS cohort Summer session will begin July 23, 2012 and run through August 17, 2012.

The certification component of the program costs $17,915 in 2011-2012. Financial Aid is available for qualified applicants through Student Financial Services.

The School of Education is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Master in Teaching Math and Science program.  The application deadline is February 1, 2013.  Contact the Graduate Center at gradadmissions@spu.edu or 206-281-2091 if you have questions.

For additional MTMS program information, please contact Ted Hiemstra.

If you are interested in teaching in a subject area other than math/science, consider the Alternative Routes to Certification program.