Mathematics Teacher Education

As a student in the Mathematics Education program at Illinois State University, you will be challenged, tested, supported, and you will be rewarded.

You will be challenged to extend your knowledge and experience in mathematics through courses taken by students completing other sequences within the department's major, as well as through courses in education. You will become a mathematician, and you will become a teacher.

As a Mathematics Education student, you will be tested as you strive to meet the standards of excellence established for those becoming mathematics teachers.

At Illinois State, support comes from your professors, your advisor, your fellow students, and many others who play a role in the success of the program.

You will be rewarded, not only through a great sense of accomplishment in earning your undergraduate degree and teacher certification, but also through the many career opportunities that await newly certified mathematics teachers. Having a degree in mathematics will also open many doors if you choose to do something other than teach.

Why Study Mathematics Teacher Education?

Mathematics teachers help students become the critical thinkers we need in our society. Our teacher prep program is among the best in the country and will prepare you to serve as a future educator. Below are some features of our program that help create successful math teachers:

• Merit-based scholarships for our math education majors
• Undergraduate research opportunities for publication and presentation at conferences
• We have the largest cohort of teacher candidates among the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Ed reporting institutions
• One in five first-year teachers hired in Illinois public schools are graduates of our program
• Mathematics Education courses are limited in class size so students can receive individualized attention
• Our Mathematics Education Club connects students with both social and professional networks
• Our dorms include a mathematics lifestyle floor, where math majors can be part of a community with common interests

Related Skills

• Logical Thinker
• Strong numerical computational ability
• Ability to analyze, interpret data
• Problem solver
• Critical thinker
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Works well in teams

Being Successful in the Field

Teaching mathematics is about far more than sharing your love of mathematics with students. High school teaching is both a challenging and rewarding profession. Every day provides opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people by serving as a role model and trusted adult, by contributing to strong communities, and by providing support and encouragement to adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Mathematics teachers play a profound role in helping students become the critical thinkers and productive citizens needed for a functioning democracy by providing opportunities for school students to develop quantitative literacy and enhance their logical reasoning abilities.

Although not as lucrative as some other fields, such as business or engineering, teachers play an important role in cultivating the diverse talent needed in STEM fields. Mathematics teaching positions are typically available in every region and offer stable pay and benefits. Teaching credentials earned in Illinois, are typically easily transferred to other areas of the country. Teaching opportunities also exist around the world, especially through the system of American Schools abroad.

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.80

Middle 50% GPA

3.35 - 3.98

Required Courses

2.8 GPA in math courses; Require grades of "C" or better in Calculus I and II (MAT 145 and 146)

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110 or 111)
• Educational Psychology (PSY 215)
• Calculus III (MAT 147)
• Elementary Linear Algebra (MAT 175)
• Structure Problem-Solving Using the Computer (IT 168)
• The Exceptional Learner (SED 101)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.80

Middle 50% GPA

3.35 - 3.98

Application Period

Applications are always accepted

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Major Requirements

Grades of "C" or better in MAT 145 and 146

Academic Advising