The Graduate Certificate in Mathematics for Middle School Math Teachers (GCMS) in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics consists of eight graduate mathematics courses specifically designed for teachers who desire to teach middle school mathematics. Upon successful completion of this 24-credit program, MTH 590 - MTH 596 and Teaching & Learning in the MS Math Classroom (formerly MTH 510, soon to be MTH 597), a Graduate Certificate is awarded. If desired, the graduate credit received may also be applied towards an M.A. or M.S. in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Graduate School of Education (please speak with a C&I adviser for more information). The program provides a broad mathematics background appropriate for middle school teachers, a familiarity with the current middle school curriculum ideas, and a sensitivity to the special characteristics and needs of early adolescents. The Graduate Certificate program by itself does not lead to a teaching license. If you are interested in information on how to obtain teacher licensure, please contact the School of Education, GTEP program.

 The goals of the middle school mathematics certificate program are to offer a comprehensive mathematics program that:

• Directly relates the content of mathematics courses for pre- and in-service teachers to the mathematical content appropriate for middle school students.
• Is geared to the special characteristics of the student population of an urban university, and takes advantage of the varied resources found in an urban setting.
• Models a philosophy of teaching and learning mathematics that is consistent with current recommendations for effective instruction in middle school classrooms.

  The certificate program consists of the following eight (8) mathematics courses: 

Projected Schedule

•  During the academic year (fall, winter & spring terms) courses are usually offered on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
• With careful planning it is possible to complete the program in 3 consecutive summers, 2 academic years and the intervening summer, or 3 academic years.
• People interested in adding a Middle School Math endorsement should contact the Director of Licensure (503-725-4758) in the Graduate School of Education.
• Students who wish to enroll in these courses as part of their undergraduate program can enroll in these courses at the 400-level (MTH 490 - MTH 497). Please note that a graduate certficate can only be awarded if you take the 500-level courses and are admitted to the university as a graduate student.

  The graduate certificate admission requirements are:

1. Completed B.A. or B.S. degree.
2. GPA: 3.0 cumulative undergraduate, or 3.0 for upper division courses, or 3.0 in all graduate credit courses (a minimum of 12 credits).
3. Completion of Mth 111 & 112 (College Algebra/Trigonometry) and Mth 211-212-213 (Foundations of Elementary Mathematics) or the equivalent.

The admission requirements are consistent with admission to graduate study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education. If admitted to graduate study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the graduate credits of the GCMS may be applied toward an M.A. or M.S. in that department (please see an adviser in the School of Education for this option).

 To apply to this program please submit the following materials directly to the PSU Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics:

1. PSU Departmental Graduate Admission Application Form
2. Letter or statement of intent
3. Official transcripts for all previous collegiate course work

You must also submit additional documentation to the PSU Office of Admissions to be admitted to graduate school. Please refer to the following website for application information:

 http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/how-apply-graduate

Successful completion of the certificate requires students to have a cumulative PSU graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (computed on all graduate credits taken at PSU) and a cumulative program GPA of 3.0 or higher (computed on all courses used for the graduate certificate).  Please contact the program adviser during the term prior to the term of anticipated graduation so that the necessary program completion paperwork can be prepared.

The course content and instructional practices of this graduate certificate program are consistent with the mathematical reform recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America.

The GCMS gives teachers an opportunity to enrich and broaden their mathematics background and to experience an environment that models the way we believe middle school mathematics should be taught. That is, teaching prospective middle school teachers in the manner that we would expect them to teach mathematics in middle school classrooms. In our courses we try to practice the following:

• Problem solving activities that promote exploration and experimentation and which allow students to construct (and reconstruct) mathematical understanding and knowledge
• Use of models, concrete materials, diagrams, and sketches that promote visual reasoning as well as symbolic deductive modes of thought
• Development of multiple strategies or approaches to problems - discussing and listening to how others think about a concept, problem, or idea
• Small group work and cooperative learning
• Extensive use of writing on mathematical investigations and problem summaries
• Written communication between instructors and individual students
• Multiple methods of assessment
• Developing an awareness of one's own mathematical thought processes (and feelings about mathematics) and those of others
• Supportive and cooperative class environment

For more information call or write:

Eva Thanheiser (email: evat@pdx.edu) OR Joe Ediger (e-mail: ediger@pdx.edu)

Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207

For information on the application process, please call the Math & Statistics Department at (503)725-3621 or visit the Department web page at www.mth.pdx.edu.

Department of Education Mandated Certificate Program Information