Become a Mathematics Teacher

"Learn Math first. That's the language of the Universe."

As a mathematics teacher, you lay the groundwork for so much of a student's future. One day you will make clear a basic concept that a student will carry with them and use every day of their lives (even if they won't admit it). The next day you will inspire someone like yourself into a love of mathematics that will set them on a path to success as an engineer, an architect, a programmer, a scientist, a researcher, even a mathematics teacher.

Mathematics is an important way to make sense of the world. Middle and high school students need someone to help them make sense of mathematics.  

The UMass Amherst College of Education offers many pathways to become a licensed Mathematics teacher. Every pathway involves developing professional teaching skills and experience, as well as a clear focus on how teaching techniques apply specifically to the field of mathematics. You work alongside experts in the fields of education and mathematics.

Ready to get started? Fill out the Request Information form and an advisor will be in touch about the admissions process.

"The best educators are the ones that inspire their students. That inspiration comes from a passion that teachers have for the subject they're teaching. Most commonly, that person spent their lives studying that subject, and they bring an infectious enthusiasm to the audience."

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Subject Matter Requirement

A partial list of courses at UMass Amherst which meet subject matter requirements. These requirements are flexible, please talk to an advisor for further information to see if you qualify.

Mathematics Requirements for Initial License Grades 5-8

  • Math 113: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 1
  • Math 114: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 2
  • Math 131: Calculus 1
  • Math 132: Calculus 2 
  • Math 235: Introduction to Linear Algebra  
  • Math 455 (or equivalent): Introduction to Discrete Structures*
  • Math 456 (optional): Mathematical Modeling*
  • Math 475: History of Mathematics
  • Educ 497TM (optional but strongly recommended): Teaching Mathematics in Grades 4-12 
  • Educ 511: The Principles and Methods of Teaching Middle and High School Mathematics**
  • Educ 651: Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving
  • Educ 697SM or Stat 501: Statistics and Modeling in the Secondary Curriculum OR Methods of Applied Statistics
  • Educ 711: Recent Developments in Secondary Mathematics** 

*These courses require Math 300 as a pre-requisite. It is possible to take a Discrete Mathematics course beyond UMass to complete this requirement. Such a course would address discrete topics such as graph theory, induction and recursion, pigeonhole principle, voting methods, etc.

**These two courses are typically taken during the final practicum year of the program.

Mathematics Requirements for Initial License Grades 8-12

  • Math 131: Calculus 1
  • Math 132: Calculus 2
  • Math 235: Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • Math 300: Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
  • Math 331 or Math 456: Mathematical Modeling
  • Math 411 or Math 490A: Introduction to Abstract Algebra
  • Math 455: Introduction to Discrete Structures
  • Math 461: Geometry
  • Math 471 or EDUC 651: Theory of Numbers or Mathematical Problem Solving
  • Math 475: History of Mathematics
  • Stat 501: Methods of Applied Statistics
  • Stat 515: Statistics I
  • Educ 497TM (optional but strongly recommended): Teaching Mathematics in Grades 4-12
  • Educ 651 (optional but strongly recommended): Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving
  • Educ 697SM (optional but strongly recommended): Statistics and Modeling in the Secondary Curriculum
  • Educ 511: The Principles and Methods of Teaching Middle and High School Mathematics*
  • Educ 711: Recent Developments in Secondary Mathematics*

*These two courses are typically taken during the final practicum year of the licensure program.

Subject matter knowledge in Mathematics at the 8-12 level for Initial Licensure can be demonstrated by successful completion of appropriate course work and by passing the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) in Mathematics at the 8-12 level. Normally the coursework requirements can be met with a major in Mathematics.

Seeking licensure for Massachusetts or another state?

These programs lead to initial teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Because of reciprocity agreements between states, you may be able to transfer your license to another state. However, the College of Education at UMass Amherst makes no guarantees that this program meets teacher licensure requirements in any state other than Massachusetts. If you are seeking licensure in another state, click on the link below for the program of your choice for more information.  For assistance in determining whether this program will be appropriate for you, send your inquiry to the program contact identified in the program description.  Access to your state’s licensing agency is available on the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.