Elementary Education – Mathematics Concentration

Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Instructional Technology

Elementary Education majors are required to earn an academic concentration. There are many choices for the concentration, but the 18-hour Mathematics Concentration offers the future elementary teacher the chance to set herself/himself apart from others by focusing on a core subject that is tested in grades 3-5. Additionally, elementary mathematics concentrators can make themselves even more marketable by adding middle grades mathematics to the elementary license. They do this by passing the middle grades mathematics licensure test, but we also strongly recommend completion of 24 hours of mathematics course work. In addition to the concentration courses, we recommend adding MATE 2700 and either MATE 1267 or MATE 2800.

Note: MATE 2700 brings the data and probability focus that a middle grades mathematics teacher needs. 

Why concentrate in mathematics?

• Share a love of mathematics with your future students
• Engage in courses designed especially for teachers
• Build your own content knowledge of mathematics in order to better help your students flourish mathematically
• Increased hiring potential by concentrating in a high-need discipline
• Join a community of students and faculty with whom to grow professionally

What you will learn in mathematics concentration courses:

• Mathematics knowledge that is deep and connected
• Content connected to the school curriculum standards
• Common student approaches and errors when learning mathematics
• Innovative, research-based teaching strategies
• Mathematics tools to become a leader in your school

What other opportunities are available to mathematics concentrators?

• Family math nights at local elementary schools
• NCCTM Gamma Chapter (Mathematics Education Club)
• Attending and presenting at the NC Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference
• Collaborating with faculty members on current research projects
• Annual faculty Mathemagician competition and Pi Day celebrations
• Tutoring opportunities for elementary students
• Exam Study reviews

Courses you will take in the concentration:

MATE 2129 – Investigations into Concepts of Elementary Mathematics(2). Investigations in geometry, measurement, and data.

MATE 3030 – Geometry and Measurement for Elementary Teachers (3). Prerequisite: MATE 2129. Examination of geometry and measurement concepts learned across kindergarten through 8th grade.

MATE 3060 – Mathematics and Methods for Grades 3-6 (4). Prerequisite: UD; MATE 3050. Integrates grades 3-6 mathematics content, practices and methods. Focus on number concepts: whole number operations, properties of numbers, rational numbers. Pedagogical content focus on facilitating whole class discussions and analyzing student strategies using research-based learning trajectories.

MATE 3067- Algebra and Number Foundations. Prerequisite MATH 1065 or MATH 2127

or equivalent. Investigations of number and algebra concepts to obtain a deeper understanding of their properties and interconnections in K-8 mathematics.

MATE 3330- Rational Number. Prerequisite: MATH 2127 or general education mathematics course. Exploration of rational number concepts and proportional reasoning with an emphasis on how related concepts build across the elementary and middle grades.

MATE 3630 – Mathematical Modeling for Elementary Grades (3).Capstone for elementary mathematics concentration. Prerequisite: MATH 2127,  MATE 2129 ; RP: MATE 3030 , MATE 3067.

MATE 3630 – Mathematical Modeling for Elementary Grades (3).Capstone for elementary mathematics concentration. Prerequisite:MATH 2127, MATE 2129; RP: MATE 3030, MATE 3067

MATE 3630 – Mathematical Modeling for Elementary Grades (3). Capstone for elementary mathematics concentration. Prerequisite: MATH 2127, MATE 2129 ; RP: MATE 3030, MATE 3067

MATE 3330 – Application of mathematical modeling cycle, with emphasis on connections between representations and concepts within relevant contexts for elementary students. Applied to K-6 mathematics.