The Adolescence Education Program with Middle Childhood Extension for teaching mathematics is designed to meet the certification regulations of the New York State Education Department, the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP) standards, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards, along with Advisory Board recommendations and alumni feedback. The Mathematics Education MST program is nationally recognized by NCTM. The program leads to Initial/Professional certification in Adolescence Education, Mathematics (Grades 7-12) with an extension for Middle Childhood Mathematics Education (Grades 5-6).

Requirements for Admission

General Graduate Admission Requirements  Additional Admission Requirements  

1. This program is intended for candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate and who seek to earn certification for teaching Mathematics in Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12) with an extension for Middle Childhood Mathematics Education (Grades 5-6). Candidates will undergo a transcript review in order to determine the completion of prerequisites.
2. An undergraduate major comparable to a SUNY Potsdam undergraduate major in mathematics, as well as six hours of a foreign language, is required for admission. A review of the candidate’s transcript will determine the need for completion of any content core courses.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0) in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
4. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 in the mathematics major.
5. Submission of an official GRE exam (other standardized exams may be accepted on a case by case basis).
6. Submission of three professional letters of recommendation with cover sheets from persons who can provide information about the academic and teaching potential of the applicant (e.g., former or current professors, school administrator, or other professional references).

A student who does not satisfy one or more of the above may, in some cases, be conditionally admitted.

Additional Degree Information

All degree candidates are required to create a comprehensive portfolio, modeled after the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification process. The purpose of this culminating experience is to give students an opportunity to document and synthesize their professional development, as well as to lay the foundation for future professional growth. The Culminating Experience (GRED 670 ) may be taken for 0 or 3 credits and used to fulfill elective credit hours with prior approval of the adviser.

Candidates are required to complete all New York State teaching requirements to earn certification. This will include completion of @HLTH 530 - School Health (CA, SAVE, DASA)  (3 credits) and passing of all applicable New York State Teacher Certification Exams. These are subject to change.

Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the program based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions. Students are provided with information on program expectations in their first semester. Students not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their adviser and may be dropped from the program.