March Newsletter 2026

Checkpoint Information!

• Checkpoint #1 (Initial Admission to PTEP):
  • Applications are due March 12th if you plan on taking STEP 161 in Fall 2026; Applications include a fingerprint background check.
  • The mandatory meetings have passed; if you were not able to attend, check the Canvas shell about next steps.
• Checkpoint #2 (Full Admission to PTEP)
  • Applications are due no later than March 2nd, at 5PM for students planning to take STEP 363 in Fall 2026.
  • Mandatory meetings have passed; if you were not able to attend, check the Canvas shell about nextsteps.
• Checkpoint #3 (Application for Student Teaching) is CLOSED.

Advice From Current UNC Student Teachers

• On learning how to organize a class: Talk to your mentor teacher about getting more involved within understanding the system of running their classroom. Learn how to and ask to grade papers, navigate online tools such as Infinite Campus or GoGuardian, and how to generally organize a classroom. Such skills will become extremely helpful as you take on more responsibilities within future classrooms.
• On getting more involved within the school community: Build a presence in your school’s community. Build positive relationships with the staff. Seek out different volunteer opportunities within your school. All of which will aid your development in becoming a confident contributor to the school community.
• On interacting with students: Build good relationships with your students. Learn their names and interests. Remain professional with them because you are one of the teachers in the room. Present yourself in a professional way.

Unpaid Work-Based Learning Scholarship

This is a one-time $500 – $2,500 scholarship meant for students across the University who are pursuing unpaid work-based learning opportunities such as STUDENT TEACHING! The deadline is March 31st and it can be submitted through the UNC Scholarship Application. More information is available there and on the Peer Mentor bulletin board, including eligibility
requirements.

Looking for a Teaching Job?

On Thursday, March 26 from 1pm-6pm and Friday, March 27 from 10am-2am in the UC Ballroom, the spring 2026 K-12 Educator Employment Fair is being held. It is a great way to meet schools in the surrounding area that are hiring and connect with the administrators so they know about you before you submit an application.

Volunteer Opportunities

Check out the Announcements in the MathTeacherPrep Canvas shell for various volunteer opportunities (e.g., Cafecito con Matemática on 2 April 2026)!

Praxis Info

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).

Versions and Passing Scores

• Secondary Math Teachers (6-12) 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

The Ed Prep Office has a special discount rate with 240 Tutoring that provides access to Praxis study materials like flashcards, quizzes, practice tests and more! It’s $20/month and can be canceled at any time. Email questions to Tish Thompson.

Group Advising Information

ALL students in the Middle School and Secondary Mathematics Teacher Education Programs were REQUIRED to attend one of the group advising meetings. If you were unable to attend one of the meetings, you must meet with the Peer Mentor (Hayden or Maria) to learn about updated program information. You still must meet with your advisor to get your pin before you are able to register.

Practice Praxis Problems

Come to Mentor Hours to get the solutions!