Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Mathematics—Elementary Education, BAEd
What is the study of Mathematics?
"Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around us. Now much more than Arithmetic and Geometry, Mathematics today is a diverse discipline that deals with data, measurements, and observations from science; with inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of natural phenomena, of human behavior, and of social systems.
As a practical matter, Mathematics is a science of pattern and order. Its domain is not molecules or cells, but numbers, chance, form, algorithms, and change. As a science of abstract objects, Mathematics relies on logic rather than on observation as its standard of truth, yet employs observation, simulation, and even experimentation as means of discovering truth."-From Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education (c) 1989 National Academy of Sciences.
This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Teaching Mathematics is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach Mathematics occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of Mathematics, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in Mathematics.
There is a growing demand for elementary teachers with a strong background in Mathematics, but there is an even greater need for quality Mathematics teachers—elementary teachers who care about both students and Mathematics, elementary teachers who have a broad and deep understanding of Mathematics, and elementary teachers who are thoroughly professional. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are even greater.
As a prospective elementary teacher specializing in Mathematics you need to focus on expanding your personal understanding of Mathematics and capitalizing on opportunities to work with pre-college students—as a tutor, as a classroom assistant, as a practicum student, and as a novice teacher in your internship. Are you up for it?
How to Declare:
Students who intend to complete a major in Mathematics are urged to declare the major formally at an early point in their Western career so that a program of study can be planned in collaboration with a departmental advisor.
Applying to the Elementary Education Professional Program
Admission to the Elementary Education Professional Program is required before a student may begin taking courses in the Professional Sequence. Requirements for consideration of an application include:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits (most or all GURs complete)
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- Acceptable WEST-B scores. This test is offered 6 times a year at various sites in the state. Visit the WEST-B website at www.west.nesinc.com for more information.
- Completion of an English composition course with grade of B- or higher
- Completed application
Meeting the above criteria makes the applicant eligible for admission, but does not guarantee admission. For further information, visit Teacher Education Admissions, Miller Hall 214, 360-650-3313 or visit the web site at www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss. See also: Elementary Education Professional Program Guide
Coursework
Requirements
- MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
- MATH 302 - Introduction to Proofs Via Number Theory
- MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
- MATH 309 - Introduction to Proofs in Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
- MATH 360 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
- MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I
- MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II
- MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III
- MATH 419 - Historical Perspectives of Mathematics
- MATH 491 - Internship Seminar - Teaching K-8 Mathematics (2)
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- or
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors and
- MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
- or
- MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements: 103-104 credits
Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
Professional Studies Core (25 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- ELED 370 - Introduction to Teaching
- I T 344 - Basic Instructional Technology Skills
- I T 442 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Elementary)
- SPED 364 - Teaching Each Student
Elementary Program — Methods, Curriculum Content, and Field Experiences (78-79 credits)
- One course from:
- ART 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- DNC 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- MUS 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- THTR 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators
- One course from:
- ART 380 - Art Educating the Child
- DNC 433 - Creative Movement for Educators With Lab
- MUS 361 - Music for Elementary Teachers
- THTR 350 - Theatre for Youth
- THTR 351 - Creativity Across the Curriculum
- ELED 425 - Social Studies for the Elementary School
- ELED 470 - Developing Teaching
- ELED 471 - Documenting Teaching
- ELED 480 - Literacy: Beginning Communicators
- ELED 481 - Literacy: Fluent Communicators
- ELED 491 - September Experience
- ELED 492 - Practicum: Experience in Literacy Methods
- ELED 494 - Internship - Elementary
- HLED 455 - Health Education Grades K-8
- MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I
- MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II
- MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III
- MATH 491 - Internship Seminar - Teaching K-8 Mathematics
- PE 345 - Physical Education for Elementary School
- SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School
- SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138, 381 & 382
Sample Careers
- Elementary Teacher
Department
Contact
Mathematics Department
BH 202, 360-650-3785
mathdept@wwu.edu
Math Education Advisors
Jessica Cohen
BH180
360-650-3830
Jessica.Cohen@wwu.edu
Kimberly Markworth
BH242
360-650-6284
Kimberly.Markworth@wwu.edu
Department Chair
Tjalling Ypma
BH 202A
360-650-3785
Tjalling.Ypma@wwu.edu
Elementary Education Professional
Program Information
Miller Hall 300(360) 650-3336 http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Depts/ELED/
Teacher Education Admissions
MH 150360-650-3313www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss
Elementary Education Professional
Program Advisor and Program Manager
Ellen KreiderMH 301D360-650-7948Ellen.Kreider@wwu.edu