Mathematics Teacher Preparation News

February 9, 2026

February Newsletter 2026

The February Peer Mentor newsletter contains information about mandatory checkpoint meetings and large group advising sessions. Additionally, the newsletter has information about Mathematical Sciences Club, mentoring hours, Praxis support, and words from program peers.

Checkpoint Information!

Three checkpoints exist to assist students in completing various PTEP requirements. Each checkpoint has a Canvas shell. Checkpoints include amandatory meeting (different from the group advising meetings that are part of the mathematics education programs, you must attend both) as well as completing anapplication and submitting it to the School of Teacher Education (STE). Students planning to take STEP 161, STEP 363, or STEP 464 in Fall 2026 should see the relevant Canvas shell on their Canvas Dashboard. If you do not, contact Cheryl Sparks (cheryl.sparks@unco.edu) right away. Dr. Reiten (lindsay.reiten@unco.edu) signs as the content advisor for ALLcheckpoints. Email this electronic major content approval form for her to sign. Make sure you plan your Fall 2026 schedule to allow for a placement in a local school during the day.

Checkpoint #1 (Initial Admission to PTEP)

Applications are due March 13^th if you plan on taking STEP 161 in Fall 2026. Applications include a fingerprint background check – don’t wait to get started!
Must attend one of the following meetings:
- Monday, February 23^rd from 4:00 – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, February 24^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Checkpoint #2 (Full Admission to PTEP)

Applications are due March 2^nd if you plan on taking STEP 363 in Fall 2026. Applications include taking the PRAXIS (you do not have to have passed at this stage).
Must attend one of the following meetings:
- Monday, February 9^th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, February 10^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Checkpoint #3 (Application for Student Teaching)

Applications are due February 13^th if you plan on taking STEP 464 in Fall 2026; Applications include passing the PRAXIS with scores to submit.
Must attend one of the following meetings:
- Monday, January 26^thfrom 4:30 – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, January 27^thfrom 5:00 – 6:30 pm.

Praxis Info

To become licensed by the Colorado Department of Education, future teachers need to pass the appropriate Praxis exam. To send your scores to UNC, use the code 4074 when taking the exam. You are given 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete 66 questions (not all questions are scored the same). Each attempt costs $130 but you can take it as many times as necessary. You must take the Praxis before STEP 363 and pass it before STEP 464 (Student Teaching). See the Hallway Peer Mentor Board for an application to receive free access to 240 Tutoring.

Versions and Passing Scores

Secondary Math Teachers (7-12) take Praxis 5165 and get a score of 159 to pass.
Middle School Math Teachers (6-8) take Praxis 5164 and get a score of 157 to pass

Mathematical Sciences Club!

Mathematical Sciences Club meets every week on Fridays from 1:25 – 2:15 in Ross 2060. We play fun math games, learn about various math topics, and enjoy FREE pizza! Everyone is welcome! This is a great opportunity to connect with other people interested in math and some of the amazing math faculty!

Group Advising Information

Mandatory large group advising sessions for ALL students in the Middle School and Secondary Mathematics Teacher Preparation Programs will occur at the following times:

Wednesday, 25 February 12:30-1:00 pm virtual (click here for the Zoom link)
Thursday, 26 February 1:00-1:30 pm in Ross 2238

If you are not able to attend one of the meetings, you will need to either watch the recorded video AND respond to questions or meet with your peer mentor BEFORE meeting with your advisor.

You will need to meet with your advisor to get your PIN BEFORE registration begins in April.

Mentoring Hours (ROSS 2230B)

Maria

Wednesday: 3:30 – 4:30pm
Thursday: 12:30 – 1:30pm
Friday: 3:30 – 4:30pm

Hayden:

Monday: 1:30 – 2:30pm
Wednesday: 1:30 – 2:30pm

Praxis Prep Sessions (ROSS 2230G)

Monday: 4:00 – 5:00pm (Maria)
Tuesday: 12:30 – 1:30pm (Hayden)

Hear From Your Peers!

What are some things you do during the semester to take care of yourself?

“I love working out, riding horses and spending time with my family. ~Maddi H.

“I go to the gym.” ~Rudy W.

Practice Praxis Problem

Question 1

Solve the system of equations:

-3x+2y=-1

4x-5y=6

Question 3

Simplify the following expressions with exponents:

(a). 37⁰
(b). 1³⁰
(c). 2³ x 2⁴ x 2^x
(d). (3^x)³
(e). ( $\frac{12}{3}$ )²