children sitting around teacher and looking at a globe

Secondary Education - Mathematics Concentration (Terrapin Teachers), B.S.

B.S.
At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Location

On-Campus

Avg. Class Size

17

Application Deadlines
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $11,809
  • Out-of-State - $41,186
  • More Info
At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Location

On-Campus

Avg. Class Size

17

Application Deadlines
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $11,809
  • Out-of-State - $41,186
  • More Info
Program Overview

The Secondary Education - Mathematics Concentration program equips you with both a solid grasp of mathematical concepts and the skills to effectively teach them to students and early field experiences. Mathematics is vital for critical thinking and problem-solving, making your role as a math educator essential. Join us in preparing the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers, and discover the joy of shaping young minds through the wonders of mathematics.

This program leads to teacher licensure eligibility as a secondary mathematics major.

Terrapin Teachers

This program is part of Terrapin Teachers (TT), which is an innovative undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) middle school science and math and secondary education certification pathway. As a version of the national UTeach model, TT addresses the local and national shortage of highly skilled STEM K-12 teachers, TT offers science and math majors a career option they may not have considered and provides them with various pathways to teaching certification.

  • An integrated degree program - students will receive a bachelor's degree in science or math along with eligibility for teacher certification.
  • Opportunities for students to teach science or math lessons in elementary, middle, and high schools.
  • A strong focus on social justice and equity in STEM classrooms
  • Personal guidance from faculty with K-12 classroom experience

Learn About Terrapin Teachers

$78,580
Mean salary of secondary school teachers in Maryland, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learning Goals
  • Foster meaningful math discourse and collaboration among students.
  • Design and implement inquiry-based, student-centered math lessons.
  • Integrate technology to enhance mathematics learning.
  • Utilize evidence of student thinking to inform instruction.
  • Navigate cross-cultural situations in teaching, ensuring equitable learning opportunities.
  • Engage in reflective practice to evaluate growth as a teacher.
How to Apply

Admission into our Professional Teacher Education programs is selective. You must take the following steps to be considered:

  1. Apply and be admitted to the University of Maryland
  2. Attend a Major Exploration Workshop (UMD internal transfers only)
  3. Meet with an Academic Advisor
  4. Meet all selective admission requirements for your specific program of interest
  5. Complete the Professional Application and submit Supplemental Application Materials

Students typically apply for professional teacher education programs at the end of sophomore or beginning of junior year. 

Professional Teacher Education Program Application

Selective Admissions Requirements 

The requirements below are in addition to being admitted to the University. Before completing the Professional Teacher Education Program Application, you should meet with a College of Education Academic Advisor. 

  • Admission to the University. 
  • Completion of a minimum of 45 credits
  • Cumulative UMD GPA of 2.75 or higher; 3.0 GPA is recommended for best consideration
  • Completion of lower-level Fundamental English requirement with a “C-” or better
  • Completion of lower-level Fundamental Math requirement with a “C-” or better
  • Minimum passing scores on a Basic Skills Tests (see advisor for details)
  • Satisfactory completion of TLPL 401  with a “B-” or better
  • Satisfactory completion of the upper level content area courses.  Consult Advisor for content area GPA requirement.
  • A resume that shows prior experience with K-12 students (e.g., tutor, babysitter, coach, youth counselor)
  • A written goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member or instructor in your content area)
  • Satisfactory rating on the College of Education Foundational Competencies/Model Code of Ethics for Educators
Career Options

Our program prepares you to be a Secondary English Language Arts Teacher in the classroom. Additional and future options might include:

  • Curriculum Developers for educational organizations and publishing companies
  • Education Consultants for government agencies and non-profit organizations
  • Literacy Coaches or Specialists in school districts and educational institutions
Program Requirements

This program is designed to meet the evolving needs of today's educators. You'll build a solid foundation in mathematics and delve into specialized courses about teaching. You will work closely with faculty, mentors and peers to observe, analyze and reflect on instruction. The program culminates in a year-long teaching internship to give you real world experience.

Program Requirements and 4-Year Plan

The undergraduate internship experience is broken into two parts:

  • Fall Senior Year: One day a week placement with an experienced mentor at a high school where the intern has the opportunity to observe, reflect and participate in classroom activities.
  • Spring Senior Year: Five days a week full-time placement where the intern will take on full responsibilities of a classroom teacher including planning, instruction and assessment of students with the support of a veteran mentor teacher, supervisor and program coordinator.
“Terrapin Teachers has not only made me excited about teaching, but really set in my heart that this is what I want to do.”

Jennifer Hill

Contact

For more information, please contact:
Terrapin Teachers
TT@umd.edu

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