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Mathematics Teacher Preparation Programs

Mathematical Sciences has two mathematics teacher preparation programs preparing students to teach mathematics at the secondary (grades 7-12) or middle school (grades 6-8) levels.

Graduates of our programs will be qualified for licensure to teach mathematics in Colorado. Our programs have an intentional focus on preparing graduates to implement technology and language support strategies in meaningful ways to support the development of content understanding and language use. For students interested in adding the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education endorsement, we have degree plans supporting the added endorsement.

Mathematics teaching is a profession that is always in demand with great job security. Also, teachers are in a role that allow for daily problem solving, exploration, research, and development. As a teacher, graduates will have the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of young people.

The teaching emphasis programs provide students with a blend of academic and teaching experiences. These experiences include placements in local classrooms where students build relationships with students, develop and implement lessons, and learn other skills necessary to be effective teachers.

Dr. Rob Powers (he, hm) and Dr. Lindsay Reiten (she, her) are coordinators of the Mathematics Teacher Preparation Programs.


Links for 4-Year Degree Plans

BS Mathematics: Middle School Teaching Emphasis

BS Mathematics: Middle School Teaching Emphasis with CLD Endorsement

BS Mathematics: Secondary Teaching Emphasis

BS Mathematics: Secondary Teaching Emphasis with CLD Endorsement


Advising Information

Spring 2023 Large group advising sessions for ALL students in the middle school and secondary mathematics teacher programs occured on Thursday, 23 February 11:00-12:00 in Ross Hall 2090 and Friday, 24 February via Zoom 1:30-2:30. Program students who were not abel to attend one of these meetings should meet with one of the peer mentors to discuss program information/updates before meeting with their advisor.

Slides from Large Group Advising Meeting

Peer Mentors

One of the resources available for support at the University of Northern Colorado are the Peer Mentors. The Peer Mentors are a resource for students in a mathematics education program. They support students in these programs by holding mentoring hours where students can ask questions pertaining to the programs, courses in general, and/or study for the Praxis Test.

Tina Brewer (she/her) is in the Secondary Teaching program and taking STEP 262 this spring. Her favorite candy is KitKat.

Mentor Hours: Mondays 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Ross Hall 2230B

EMAIL Tina 

Ray Gienger (they/them) is in the Mathematics: Pure and Applied program. They previously were in the Middle School Teaching program. Their favorite candy is Snickers.

Mentor Hours: Tuesdays 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Ross Hall 2230B

EMAIL Ray

Austin  Vega (he/him) is currently in last year of the Secondary Teaching program and is planning to student teach in the Fall of 2023.

Mentor Hours: Tuesdays 9:00-10:00 am, Thursdays 10:00-11:00 am
Ross Hall 2230B

Email Austin 

Praxis Preparation Resources

All Middle School and Secondary Mathematics Teaching Program students must take the Praxis by 1 March BEFORE the semester they plan to take STEP 363. You must pass the relevant Praxis test BEFORE student teaching. The Praxis test cost $130 to take and scores should be sent to UNC (code 4074). Resources are available for checkout on the bookshelf in the 2230 Ross Hallway. Click here for additional resources.

  • Middle School Emphasis Students: Take test 5164 (minimum score to pass 157)
  • Secondary Emphasis Students: Take test 5165 (minimum score to pass 159)

Praxis Prep Session: Tuesdays 10:00-11:00 am; Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 pm; AND Thursdays 11:00 am-12:00 pm (Ross Hall 2230G)

The School of Teacher Education has a special discount rate with 240tutoring.com that provides access to Praxis study materials like flashcards, quizzes, practices tests and more! It's $20/month and can be canceled at any time. Click on this link to get started. Questions should be directed to Cheryl Sparks (Cheryl.Sparks@unco.edu).

Learn more about the Praxis