Dr. Maria Timmerman, Graduate Program Director
434.395.2890, timmermanma@longwood.edu
The Elementary and Middle School Mathematics concentration is designed for the classroom teacher who wants to improve instructional skills as well as expand knowledge and skills in mathematics. Virginia teachers at the elementary and middle school levels must possess a deep understanding of the mathematics they are teaching, an understanding of how it connects to higher levels of mathematics, and a skillful use of methods to guide students in the learning. Well-prepared teacher leaders in a specialist’s role can have a significant influence on strengthening content, pedagogical, and assessment knowledge of those classroom teachers who are inadequately prepared to deliver significant mathematics programs. They can also provide the professional development that is critical for improving instruction and student learning. Completion of this program along with at least three years teaching experience in elementary or middle school where the teaching of mathematics is a primary responsibility meets current eligibility requirements for the Postgraduate Professional Endorsement for Mathematics Specialist for Elementary and Middle Education.
Admission
Applicants to this program must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a valid Virginia Collegiate Professional License or equivalent from another state at the time of admission to the program, and have taught for a minimum of two years with experience including mathematics curriculum.
In addition to the above, applicants must have:
- a 2.75 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- provide a minimum of two recommendations
- a 500-word personal essay
- a résumé
- official transcripts of the bachelor’s degree and any course work completed after that degree.
Professional Portfolio
All students in the elementary and middle school mathematics program complete MAED 691 - Professional Portfolio, as the culminating experience and exit requirement for the program. Students are scaffolded by their advisor throughout the program regarding professional portfolio requirements. The portfolio is electronic. Grading is Pass/Not Pass. A grade of incomplete (I) may not be assigned. A student who earns a Not Pass is allowed to retake MAED 691 once. Should the student earn a second Not Pass, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program.
General Requirements: Development of a portfolio provides each candidate opportunities for reflection and self-evaluation, which documents their mastery of program standards and highlights their growth throughout the program.
Administrative procedures for culmination of the process:
- student registers forMAED 691 - Professional Portfolio ;
- portfolio will be reviewed and evaluated by program faculty members;
- candidate will present a synopsis of the Professional Portfolio to the faculty committee and his/her program peers on a date selected within the semester enrolled in MAED 691 ; and
- instructor will record the collaborated grade of P/NP for the course.
