Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics — Elementary, BAE


Department of Mathematics, College of Sciences and Technology

51 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Mathematics - Elementary?

“Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around us. Now much more than Arithmetic and Geometry, Mathematics today is a diverse discipline that deals with data, measurements, and observations from science; with inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of natural phenomena, of human behavior, and of social systems.

As a practical matter, Mathematics is a science of pattern and order. Its domain is not molecules or cells, but numbers, chance, form, algorithms, and change. As a science of abstract objects,

Mathematics relies on logic rather than on observation as its standard of truth, yet employs observation, simulation, and even experimentation as means of discovering truth.” From: Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education (c) 1989 National Academy of Sciences.

This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.

Why Consider a Mathematics - Elementary Major? 

Teaching Mathematics is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach Mathematics occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of Mathematics, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in Mathematics.

There is a growing demand for elementary teachers with a strong background in Mathematics, but there is an even greater need for quality Mathematics teachers—elementary teachers who care about both students and Mathematics, elementary teachers who have a broad and deep understanding of Mathematics, and elementary teachers who are thoroughly professional. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are even greater.

As a prospective elementary teacher specializing in Mathematics you need to focus on expanding your personal understanding of Mathematics and capitalizing on opportunities to work with pre-college students—as a tutor, as a classroom assistant, as a practicum student, and as a novice teacher in your internship. Are you up for it?

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Tjalling Ypma
Bond Hall 202A
360-650-3785
Tjalling.Ypma@wwu.edu

Mathematics Department
Bond Hall 202
360-650-3785
mathdept@wwu.edu

Math Education Advisor
Jessica Cohen
Bond Hall 180
360-650-3830
Jessica.Cohen@wwu.edu

Math Education Advisor
Kimberly Markworth
Bond Hall 242
360-650-6284
Kimberly.Markworth@wwu.edu

Elementary Education
Professional Program Information
Miller Hall 300
360-650-3336
http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Depts/ELED

Teacher Education Admissions
Miller Hall 150
360-650-3313
http://www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss
 

Elementary Education Professional Program Advisor and Program Manager
Ellen Kreider
Miller Hall 301D
360-650-7948
Ellen.Kreider@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

Elementary Teacher

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration):

Students who intend to complete a major in Mathematics are urged to declare the major formally at an early point in their Western career so that a program of study can be planned in collaboration with a departmental advisor.

This major satisfies the academic major requirements for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education. See the Elementary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements. For more information on the Math Department go to Declaration of Major .

Grade Requirements

Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Additional Major Requirements


Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements (103-104 credits)


Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education

Introduction

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Admission and Declaration Process

Admission Requirements 

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.