September Newsletter 2025

Welcome to Fall 2025

Hi, I’m Maria Huizar-Diaz! I’m a junior at UNC majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education and completing the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Endorsement. I am completing my CLD Practicum this semester and taking STEP 262 in the spring. When I’m not studying, I love hanging out with my family and drawing! Stop by to say hello!

I’m a senior at UNC majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education and a minor in Computer Science. I love to learn new things! I am taking STEP 363 this semester, and will be student teaching in the spring. Outside of the classroom, I like to get active, read, and watch movies or tv shows. Come say hi and tell me what you are reading or watching right now!

General Resources

There are many resources available to you if you need any type of assistance including:

• Faculty: Dr. Powers (robert.powers@unco.edu) and Dr. Reiten (lindsay.reiten@unco.edu) teach many of the classes required for the mathematics education program and are great resources. Their offices are Ross 2230C and Ross 2230E, respectively.
• Peer Mentor: The peer mentors are here to help you with any issues you may be having. We host mentor hours and Praxis Prep sessions in addition to being reachable by email. We will also hold community engagement opportunities to meet other people in the program. Our office is 2230B.
• Praxis Support: There are Praxis Prep sessions and the Praxis library. Right outside the Peer Mentor office, there is a bookshelf full of resources to help you prepare. There are study companions, practice tests, and specific subject review materials. They all can be checked out by scanning the QR code! Send this completed form to Tish Thompson (Letitia.thompson@unco.edu) to receive a voucher for 3 months of free access to 240tutoring, a Praxis study resource.

Praxis Information

Students in the Middle and Secondary Mathematics Teacher Prep programs must take the Praxis test BEFORE submitting their application for full admittance to PTEP (due 1 March the spring before taking STEP 363).  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 Exam before STEP 363 and passed before STEP 464 (Student Teaching). 

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

Mentor Hours

Mentoring hours will take place in Ross 2230B, and Praxis Prep Sessions will take place in Ross 2230G. Please complete this Google Form to let us know what hours would best support you!

MANDATORY Large Group Advising Sessions!

ALL students in the Middle School AND Secondary Mathematics Teacher Education Programs are REQUIRED to attend one of the following meetings:

• Wednesday, 1 October 11:15 am – 12:00 pm virtually, through this Zoom link.
• Thursday, 2 October 11:00 am – 11:45 am in Ross Hall 2238.

If you do not attend one of the meetings, you MUST meet with a peer mentor OR view a video and respond to questions about the advising session before you will receive your PIN. You will still need to meet with your advisor to get your PIN BEFORE registration begins in November.

Colorado Association of Middle Level Educators (CAMLE)

Brentwood Middle School (in Greeley) is hosting the CAMLE Conference on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Visit this website for conference information. Registration for University Students is $10. 

If you are interested in attending this conference, please email Dr. Reiten (lindsay.reiten@unco.edu) by Friday, September 19th, 2025. Mathematical Sciences will pay the registration fee for students currently enrolled in the Middle School or Secondary Mathematics Teacher Preparation Programs. 

Practice Praxis Problems

Come to Mentor Hours to get the solutions!