Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering
51 credits
Introduction
“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?
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 Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements. For more information on the Department of Mathematics, visit mathematics.wwu.edu/declaring-major.
Grade Requirements
Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point average of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for all courses in the Elementary Education Professional Program. A grade of C- (1.7) is acceptable for courses in the major that are not part of the Elementary Education Professional Program.
