Math Specialist Teaching License 

The Math Specialist certificate program includes five integrated mathematics content/pedagogy courses, four of which have an internship, and two leadership development courses. This program is designed for full-time classroom teachers. Program courses are offered over a 2-year cycle. See the program summary below.  

MD611 Internship Numbers and Operations – Fall 

Supervised teaching practicum and online seminars in which candidate acquires experience working with a range of students and adult learners on Number and Operations concepts. 

Corequisite: MD621 (1) 

MD612 Internship in Rational Numbers and Proportional Thinking – Spring  

Supervised teaching practicum and online seminars in which candidate acquires experience working with a range of students and adult learners on Rational Number and Proportional Thinking concepts. 

Corequisite: MD622 (1) 

MD616 Internship in Geometry and Measurement – Fall 

Supervised teaching practicum and online seminars in which candidate acquires experience working with a range of students and adult learners on Geometry and Measurement concepts. 

Corequisite: MD626 (1) 

MD617 Internship in Algebraic Reasoning – Spring 

Supervised teaching practicum and online seminars in which candidate acquires experience working with a range of students and adult learners on Algebraic Reasoning concepts. 

Corequisite: MD627 (1) 

MD621 Numbers and Operations – Fall 

The course is designed to develop an understanding of the learning and teaching of pre-number concepts, counting and cardinality, and numbers and operations in base ten. Emphasis will be given to how children think about and learn these concepts and how they fit into the elementary school curriculum. 

Corequisite: MD611 (3) 

MD622 Rational Numbers and Proportional Thinking – Spring 

The course is designed to develop an understanding of the learning and teaching of rational numbers and ratio and proportional relationships. Emphasis will be given to how children think about and learn these concepts and how they fit into the elementary school curriculum. 

Corequisite: MD612 (3) 

MD624 Data and Probability - Summer 

The course is designed to develop understanding of probabilistic reasoning and the collection, exploration, and analysis of data. Emphasis will be given to how children think and learn about these concepts and how they fit into the elementary school curriculum. 

MD626 Geometry and Measurement – Fall 

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the teaching and learning of geometry and measurement. Emphasis will be given to how children think about and learn these concepts and how they fit into an elementary mathematics curriculum. 

Corequisite: MD616 (3) 

MD627 Algebraic Reasoning – Spring 

This course will focus on the content and complexities of teaching and assessing algebraic reasoning in grade 1-6 settings. Course content will include examination of representation and analysis of mathematical situations and structures. Attention will be given to patterns, functions, and the transition from arithmetic to algebra. 

Corequisite: MD617 (3) 

EL667 Mathematical Leadership for Elementary Mathematics Specialists: Foundations – Summer 

This course provides an understanding of leadership principles and the process of continuous improvement for elementary mathematics specialists. (3)  

EL668 Math Leadership for Elementary Math Specialists: Influencing and Facilitating – Summer 

This second leadership course in the EMS program focuses on research and practice related to teamwork, interaction, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership in K-5 schools. Candidates will also examine effective strategies for influencing and facilitating school/district improvement (e.g., mentoring and observing colleagues, conducting professional development, and making data-informed decisions to improve student learning) collaborating with colleagues and administration. Candidates will focus on mentoring and observing colleagues, conducting professional development, and making data informed decisions to improve student learning school- and district-wide. 

Prerequisite: EL667 (3) 

DESE Certification Requirements 

1. A valid Missouri permanent or professional certificate of license to teach 
2. Two (2) years of successful mathematics teaching experience 
3. Recommendation of designated official for teacher education in the college or university with an approved program of study 
4. Complete the content knowledge or specialty area test designated by the State Board of Education with a score equal to or greater than the Missouri Qualifying Score. 

Contact Dr. Shonta Smith for more information.