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Curriculum and Instruction - Mathematics Education Specialization: Middle School Math Teaching and Learning Area of Emphasis, M.Ed.

Master of Education
At a Glance
Avg. Duration

3 years

Start Term

Fall

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Hybrid

Application Deadline
  • September 27, 2024 (Spring 2025 Domestic)
  • March 14, 2025 (Fall 2025 Domestic/International) 
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Total Tuition
At a Glance
Avg. Duration

3 years

Start Term

Fall

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Hybrid

Application Deadline
  • September 27, 2024 (Spring 2025 Domestic)
  • March 14, 2025 (Fall 2025 Domestic/International) 
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Total Tuition
Program Overview

Curriculum and Instruction - Mathematics Education Specialization: Middle School Math Teaching and Learning Area of Emphasis, Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a 30-credit program intended for teachers already certified in elementary education, special education, or in ESOL who are or plan to teach in mathematics classrooms in the middle grades (4th - 9th grade).

The program prepares teachers to become highly qualified middle grades mathematics teachers. Research-based, the program includes mathematics content and mathematics education courses, integrated content and pedagogy courses, and an action research course. Courses include school-based components, such as visits to other teachers’ classrooms, inquiry into teaching practice, analysis of assessments, and case studies.

Open to any educator regardless of where they are currently employed. 

#11
Best Curriculum and Instruction program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
  • This program supports the development and refinement of teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and equips them with the skills to implement curriculum resources equitably and effectively for every student.
  • Program participants are prepared to be reflective practitioners for classrooms of diverse learners through inquiry and practice.
  • This research-based program involves mathematics content and mathematics education courses, integrated content and pedagogy courses, as well as an action research course.
Career Options

Teachers who complete this program will be qualified to teach mathematics in grades 4-9, and can apply for the MSDE add-on endorsement for middle grade mathematics. 

How to Apply

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

Admission Requirements          Guide to Applying

Use Program Code: MCMM; Area of Interest Code:  MCMM

If you do not meet the Graduate School minimum requirement of 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior Undergraduate and Graduate work, please submit a petition for a letter of support from the program coordinator, contact Sara Kirschner at skirschn@umd.edu to make this request.

Program Requirements

Program of Study (Required Courses)

These courses in mathematics education focus on the content taught in the relevant grade-band curriculum, as well as the design, pedagogy, and student learning issues associated with teaching and learning the content. These courses were developed jointly by TLPL-Math Ed faculty and Math Department faculty with consultation from MCPS.

  • TLPL 612: Teaching and Learning Algebra in the Middle School (3 cr)
  • TLPL 615: Teaching and Learning Geometry in the Middle Grades (3 cr)
  • TLPL 616: Teaching and Learning Statistics in the Middle School (3 cr)

These three mathematics content courses are intended to deepen the middle school teacher’s understanding of the subject matter. Courses focus on algebra, data analysis & statistics. These courses are taught by the Mathematics Department faculty.

  • MATH 498: Number for Middle School Teachers (3 cr)
  • MATH 480: Algebra for Middle School Teachers (3 cr)
  • MATH 481: Statistics and Data Analysis for Middle School Teachers (3 cr)

These courses on assessment, curriculum, and students' mathematical understanding review theory and research that helps teachers see themselves in relation to the broader field of mathematics education.

  • TLPL 610: Trends in Mathematics Education (3 cr)
  • TLPL 613: Problem-Solving and Innovative Thinking in Mathematics Classrooms (3 cr)
  • TLPL 614: Assessing Mathematical Understanding (3 cr)

This course provides for foundations in quantitative and/or qualitative inquiry and analysis and engages the candidate in the completion of a classroom-based inquiry project.

  • TLPL 698: Conducting Research on Teaching 
Contact
Headshot_Sara Kirschner
Sara Kirschner, Ph.D.
Program Director