Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) Certificate & Specialization
The Elementary Mathematics Specialization program at WOU is designed for K-8 teachers seeking to be specialists in mathematics. Our fully online program consists of five graduate level mathematics courses aligned to the domains of the K-8 Common Core State Standards, and three education courses related to advanced methods and leadership. This program leads to the Oregon TSPC Elementary Mathematics Specialization and the Washington Elementary Mathematics Specialist endorsement.
Start the program anytime, anywhere!
credits required
Program Details
Overview
You can earn:
- An Elementary Mathematics Specialization (K-8) that meets the Oregon Elementary Math Specialist (EMS) standards for the TSPC Specialization.
- To receive the specialization from TSPC requires
- 24 credits of EMS coursework (eight WOU courses)
- Passing score on the commission-approved multiple subjects exam
- 3 years of teaching experience
- A WOU EMS Graduate Certificate
- Washington PESB EMS Endorsement
- To receive the specialization from TSPC requires
To begin, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A valid Oregon teaching license to apply for a TSPC EMS (K-8) Specialization
Where you will take classes:
- Online
- fall, winter, spring, and summer terms
Where this EMS (K-8) Specialization can take you:
- Become a K-8 Elementary Mathematics Specialist in your school or school district
- Fold your EMS credits into a Master of Science in Education: EMS option
What you will learn:
Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) students will:
- Know and deeply understand the K-8 Common Core Standards for Mathematics
- Develop their mathematical pedagogical knowledge
- Be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative mathematics leadership roles within their schools and districts
- Have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective mathematics instruction and professional growth for themselves and their colleagues
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to the EMS (K-8) Specialization/Certificate Program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you will have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Application Requirements
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to the program any term.
Detailed application requirements:
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application Fee $60
- Transcripts
- You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission. Save as a PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges.
- Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted.
- Current Resume
- Save as a PDF with your first and last name in the title.
- Personal Statement
- Please provide a brief statement explaining your interest in a graduate degree in education, the content specialty area you are interested in pursuing, and how it will help you meet your current and/or future professional goals.
- Professional Characteristics Form
- Review the professional characteristics document and upload it.
Process: Applications will be reviewed once all application materials have been submitted. Please refer to the Application Checklist in your Graduate Application Portal to confirm the status of your submitted materials. The Graduate Application Portal will also provide additional details about the checklist items for further clarification. You will be notified via email regarding changes in the status of your application or if you are missing any application components.
Non-Admit Policy:
Students receiving non-admit credit for their Math courses may complete no more than 15 credits of non-admit graduate coursework to be applied to their EMS (K-8) specialization. If you have any questions in regards to either of these policies, please contact the graduate programs office at graduateprograms@wou.edu.
Curriculum
EMS (K-8) Specialization curriculum overview:
The TSPC-approved Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) program is designed to meet the requirements for the TSPC Specialization: Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) (EMS). To be eligible for recommendation for this specialization, candidates must complete all required coursework (24 credits) including a practicum that requires work with a range of students and teachers.
Upon completion of this program and recommendation to TSPC, EMS (K-8) Specialists will be equipped with advanced and specialized content knowledge for the teaching of K-8 mathematics with particular emphasis on the teaching of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. They will demonstrate knowledge of a broad set of resources necessary to support mathematical instruction and professional growth. Candidates will have the skills necessary to train, coach, and lead other school personnel in effective mathematics instruction.
Primary demonstration of leadership skills will be assessed in ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I and ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II. Candidates will complete a professional portfolio and upon exit, exhibit their professional skills and develop a plan for ongoing professional development. TSPC approval of the EMS (K-8) Specialization further requires three complete years of teaching mathematics and a passing score on the Commission-approved multiple subjects exam.
EMS (K-8) Learning Outcomes:
Content Knowledge: EMS (K-8) professionals will know and understand deeply the mathematics of elementary school as well as how mathematics concepts and skills develop through middle school including specialized knowledge that teachers need in order to understand and support student learning of elementary mathematics as specified by the AMTE Standards for Elementary Math Specialists.
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics: EMIL professionals will have a foundation in pedagogical content knowledge as specified by the NCATE/NCTM Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists.
Leadership Knowledge and Skills: EMS (K-8) professionals will be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to EMS (K-8) program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
*Students completing an endorsement, certificate, or specialization only are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Core Courses
- ED 609 Practicum Credits: 1-15 Credits: 3
- ED 637 Inquiry Into Pedagogy Credits: 3
- ED 673 Mathematics Leadership in K-8 Schools Credits: 3
- MTH 611 Counting and Whole Number Operations: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 612 Fractions and Proportions: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 613 Geometry and Measurement: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 614 Statistics and Probability: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
Choose One
- MTH 615 Patterns and Algebraic Thinking: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 616 Algebra and Functions: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
Faculty
CHERYL BEAVER
Professor, Mathematics
503-838-8404 | beaverc@wou.edu | MNB 123
RACHEL HARRINGTON
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8831 | harringtonr@wou.edu | RWEC 127
Faculty Research and Publications:
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (2017). Answering the call by developing an online elementary mathematics specialist program. Journal of Mathematical Behavior. (Article)
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (May/June, 2017). Leading the way to improved student achievement. The Oregon Mathematics Teacher. (Article)
You can earn:
- An Elementary Mathematics Specialization (K-8) that meets the Oregon Elementary Math Specialist (EMS) standards for the TSPC Specialization.
- To receive the specialization from TSPC requires
- 24 credits of EMS coursework (eight WOU courses)
- Passing score on the commission-approved multiple subjects exam
- 3 years of teaching experience
- A WOU EMS Graduate Certificate
- Washington PESB EMS Endorsement
- To receive the specialization from TSPC requires
To begin, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A valid Oregon teaching license to apply for a TSPC EMS (K-8) Specialization
Where you will take classes:
- Online
- fall, winter, spring, and summer terms
Where this EMS (K-8) Specialization can take you:
- Become a K-8 Elementary Mathematics Specialist in your school or school district
- Fold your EMS credits into a Master of Science in Education: EMS option
What you will learn:
Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) students will:
- Know and deeply understand the K-8 Common Core Standards for Mathematics
- Develop their mathematical pedagogical knowledge
- Be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative mathematics leadership roles within their schools and districts
- Have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective mathematics instruction and professional growth for themselves and their colleagues
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to the EMS (K-8) Specialization/Certificate Program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you will have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Deadlines and key dates:
- You may apply to the program any term.
Detailed application requirements:
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Application Fee $60
- Transcripts
- You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission. Save as a PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges.
- Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing MAT/GRE scores to be fully admitted.
- Current Resume
- Save as a PDF with your first and last name in the title.
- Personal Statement
- Please provide a brief statement explaining your interest in a graduate degree in education, the content specialty area you are interested in pursuing, and how it will help you meet your current and/or future professional goals.
- Professional Characteristics Form
- Review the professional characteristics document and upload it.
Process: Applications will be reviewed once all application materials have been submitted. Please refer to the Application Checklist in your Graduate Application Portal to confirm the status of your submitted materials. The Graduate Application Portal will also provide additional details about the checklist items for further clarification. You will be notified via email regarding changes in the status of your application or if you are missing any application components.
Non-Admit Policy:
Students receiving non-admit credit for their Math courses may complete no more than 15 credits of non-admit graduate coursework to be applied to their EMS (K-8) specialization. If you have any questions in regards to either of these policies, please contact the graduate programs office at graduateprograms@wou.edu.
EMS (K-8) Specialization curriculum overview:
The TSPC approved Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) program is designed to meet the requirements for the TSPC Specialization: Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) (EMS). To be eligible for recommendation for this specialization, candidates must complete all required coursework (24 credits) including a practicum that requires work with a range of students and teachers.
Upon completion of this program and recommendation to TSPC, EMS (K-8) Specialists will be equipped with advanced and specialized content knowledge for the teaching of K-8 mathematics with particular emphasis on the teaching of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. They will demonstrate knowledge of a broad set of resources necessary to support mathematical instruction and professional growth. Candidates will have the skills necessary to train, coach and lead other school personnel in effective mathematics instruction.
Primary demonstration of leadership skills will be assessed in ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I and ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II. Candidates will complete a professional portfolio and upon exit, exhibit their professional skills and develop a plan for ongoing professional development. TSPC approval of the EMS (K-8) Specialization further requires three complete years of teaching mathematics and a passing score on the Commission-approved multiple subjects exam.
EMS (K-8) Learning Outcomes:
Content Knowledge: EMS (K-8) professionals will know and understand deeply the mathematics of elementary school as well as how mathematics concepts and skills develop through middle school including specialized knowledge that teachers need in order to understand and support student learning of elementary mathematics as specified by the AMTE Standards for Elementary Math Specialists.
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics: EMIL professionals will have a foundation in pedagogical content knowledge as specified by the NCATE/NCTM Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists.
Leadership Knowledge and Skills: EMS (K-8) professionals will be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.
Your plan of study:
Once admitted to EMS (K-8) program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
*Students completing an endorsement, certificate, or specialization only are not eligible for federal financial aid.
CHERYL BEAVER
Professor, Mathematics
503-838-8404 | beaverc@wou.edu | MNB 123
RACHEL HARRINGTON
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8831 | harringtonr@wou.edu | RWEC 127
Faculty Research and Publications:
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (2017). Answering the call by developing an online elementary mathematics specialist program. Journal of Mathematical Behavior. (Article)
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (May/June, 2017). Leading the way to improved student achievement. The Oregon Mathematics Teacher. (Article)
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Courses for the EMS (K-8) program
Core Courses
- ED 609 Practicum Credits: 1-15 Credits: 3
- ED 637 Inquiry Into Pedagogy Credits: 3
- ED 673 Mathematics Leadership in K-8 Schools Credits: 3
- MTH 611 Counting and Whole Number Operations: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 612 Fractions and Proportions: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 613 Geometry and Measurement: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
- MTH 614 Statistics and Probability: K-8 Learning and Teacher Practices Credits: 3
Course Descriptions
Advanced Mathematics Pedagogy and Leadership Classes
Math 611: Counting and Whole Number Operations: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of counting, whole numbers, and whole number operations. Investigation of the learning trajectory of number and operations throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of number and operations as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K – 8.
Math 612: Fractions and Proportions: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of number and operations with fractions and proportions. Investigation of the learning trajectory of fractions and proportions throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of fractions and proportions as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 613: Geometry and Measurement: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices(3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of geometry and measurement in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of geometry and measurement throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of geometry and measurement as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 614: Statistics and Probability: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices(3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of elementary statistics and probability in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of elementary statistics and probability throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of statistics and probability as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 615: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of patterns and algebraic thinking in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of patterns and algebraic thinking throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of algebraic thinking as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 616: Algebra and Functions: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of algebraic thinking with an emphasis on functions in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of algebra and functions throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of algebra and functions as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
ED 637 Advanced Content Pedagogy: Mathematics (3 credits)
Students will analyze mathematics assessment and instructional practices, including content area literacy, diversity, and technology as they relate to improving learning. Students will examine and critique current issues, research and implications for classroom practice.
ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I (3 credits)
Examines the role of the elementary mathematics instructional leader as recommended and outlined by research and recommendations from professional organizations. Special focus will include role definitions, program options, training and supervision of support staff, budgeting, and materials needed to meet state requirements in mathematics instruction. Prerequisite: This should be one of the last courses taken in the Elementary Mathematics Instructional Leader program.
ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II (3 credits)
This course integrates current research and approaches to teaching mathematics by implementing models of teacher-conducted action research. Participants must demonstrate proficiency with the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists. Prerequisite: This should be one of the last courses taken in the Elementary Mathematics Instructional Leader program.
Math Course Availability (three year rotation)
Your EMS (K-8) advisor will help you set up a plan
-
ED 637 fall terms
-
ED 609/ED673 winter terms
- Course Availability Schedule
