Math Teaching Credential Program at CSUN
Why CSUN?
CSUN offers specialized training for mathematics teachers: California State University Northridge has one of the largest public university mathematics education credentialing programs in the state of California. As a result of our size, we are able to offer specialized instruction in the teaching of mathematics, rather than the generalized teaching methods taught at many institutions. Students take a mathematics methods course and lab with other aspiring mathematics teachers, where they learn the most up-to-date, research-based teaching methods. Student teaching is supported by university supervisors with numerous years of experience teaching mathematics in secondary schools. Accompanying the student teaching experience is a subject-specific seminar, led by an experienced mathematics educator, with enrollment restricted to mathematics student teachers.
Mathematics Credentials
CSUN offers the Preliminary, Foundational-Level Mathematics and Mathematics Credentials, which authorize the teaching of the courses shown in the table below. Please refer to the CTC website for details on the examination requirements for each of these credentials.
Mathamatics Credential
- ALL middle school and high school mathematics courses
Foundational-Level Mathematics Credential
- All middle school mathematics courses
- High school algebra
- High school geometry
- High school courses below algebra
Upon completion of coursework and field experiences,the CSUN Credential Office recommends mathematics teacher candidates to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing for their single-subject mathematics credentials.
Pathways
- CSUN offers flexibility—5 different “pathways” for earning your mathematics credential:
- Traditional—For college graduates, the traditional program allows you to complete coursework at your own pace and provides two supervised student-teaching experiences.
- Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Education Program (ACT)—For college graduates, ACT offers you a one-year, fulltime experience, with additional support activities for a cohort of students.
- Single-Subject University Internship Program (SSUIP)—For college graduates who will begin fulltime secondary mathematics teaching in an area public school, the SSUIP offers you additional support workshops and supervision in the your own classroom.
- Four-Year Integrated Program (FYI)—For undergraduates, FYI allows you to simultaneously earn your bachelors degree in mathematics and your teaching credential.
- Junior-Year Integrated Program (JYI)—Same as FYI, but with entry at the junior year.
Application to the Program
Students who are interested in earning a mathematics teaching credential should contact Dr. Julie Gainsburg. They should also attend the information session offered by the CSUN Credential Office and submit the appropriate paperwork. A variety of scholarships are available.
Careers in Mathematics Education
There is a strong demand for mathematics teachers in the state of California and throughout the nation. The demand for mathematics teachers should remain strong despite economic recessions and fiscal cutbacks. New requirements for algebra in middle schools means that mathematics teachers with the single-subject mathematics credential will be better prepared to teach middle-school grades and will have a competitive edge over multuple-subject credential holders in the hiring process.
Professional Opportunities & Scholarships
Additional Resources
For more information, please contact Dr. Julie Gainsburg