What you will study
Earn your Math Teacher degree by demonstrating mastery of mathematical concepts and
applications, mathematics teaching best practices and curriculum standards. With UCM’s
accredited degree program, you’ll learn how to craft classroom experiences that build
math fluency and positivity for your students.
Secondary education presents some unique opportunities — and sometimes challenges
— related to teaching teens. Your high school Math Teacher degree will include in-depth
learning about adolescent development and behavior. You’ll be able to meet your students
where they are, finding ways to bring them joyful connections to mathematics at any
stage of growth.
What you study now will impact what you can impart to your own students later. Become
the kind of teacher they’ll always remember by leveraging UCM coursework such as:
- Introduction to English Language Learners and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- Computer Programming
- The Scientific, Historical and Sociological Impact of Mathematics
- Child and Adolescent Psychological Development
Excellence in Secondary Education
- Accredited by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
- #1: Most Focused Colleges for Mathematics Education in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Most Focused College for Mathematics Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Among the Most Focused Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 3%: Most Popular Colleges for Mathematics Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 4.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in teaching mathematics
The University of Central Missouri’s BSE in Mathematics program emphasizes experiential
learning. You’ll have many opportunities throughout the course of your high school
Math Teacher degree to put your developing skills into practice.
The field experiences that anchor our Math Teacher degree program prepare you to confidently
manage your own classroom. You’ll also meet local teachers and school administrators,
building a network that will support you well beyond your college years.
- Real classroom experience: Practice what you learn at UCM with school placements during your sophomore, junior
and senior years. By your final semester, you’ll have more than 100 hours of experience
in public school classrooms before you start full-day student teaching.
- A community of engaged learners: Join the Central Missouri Mathematics Educators (CMME), a vibrant student organization
for future teachers. Gain insight into trends in teacher education during monthly
discussions with local teachers, administrators, UCM faculty and program alumni.
- Learn from leaders in the discipline: UCM undergraduate students studying for a high school Math Teacher degree are regularly
invited to state and national conferences on mathematics education.
What can you do with a Mathematics BSE from UCM?
The University of Central Missouri’s Secondary Education programs draw future teachers
interested in lifelong learning and helping to shape young people’s future.
Your high school Math Teacher degree will prepare you for a successful career as an
educator. Over recent years, 100% of our graduates seeking jobs within Missouri have
been hired immediately after completing their Math Teacher degree. Thanks to our excellent
reputation for preparing teachers committed to lifelong careers, we are often approached
by local schools looking for job candidates even before graduation.
Your UCM Math Teacher degree is also an ideal stepping-stone to graduate study if
you’re interested in teaching higher-level mathematics to high school or college students.
Learn more about high school math teacher jobs
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about employment trends for graduates
with a high school Math Teacher degree.
Financial assistance options for your high school Math Teacher degree
The University of Central Missouri is committed to keeping costs low and educational
standards high. In fact, 92% of our undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. With tuition rates among the lowest in the state and a clear path to steady employment,
your high school Math Teacher degree at UCM represents tremendous value.
Explore all the scholarships you may be eligible for by using the UCM Scholarship Finder, including these funds dedicated to students pursuing a Math Teacher degree:
- Dr. Larry Dilley Scholarship in Mathematics Education
- Irvin and Mae Leach Mathematics Education Scholarship
Meet Christopher G.
BSE Secondary Education - Mathematics ’22
“You can learn the content as deep as you like, but it’s when the faculty take that
content and relate it to their knowledge and first-hand experiences that you learn
to really convey concepts and ideas to individuals. It’s the most beneficial thing
we could have.”
Hear Christopher’s story
Excellent Career Opportunities
Find job security as a high school math teacher
The University of Central Missouri is known for producing math teachers who excel
at their job. You can expect to be hired immediately and build a strong career in
Missouri schools with your high school Math Teacher degree.
Meet Lennon P.
BSE Secondary Education - Mathematics ’22
“I will always treasure my time at UCM. The Secondary Mathematics Education degree
program has given me the opportunity to work closely with my peers and professors,
creating meaningful and lasting relationships. I’ve been encouraged to step outside
of my comfort zone and learned how to be an effective classroom teacher. It’s exactly
what I hoped for in a college experience, and more.”
Training Teachers Since 1871
A history of excellence in education
Educating teachers has been part of UCM’s mission since our founding. While our commitment
to excellence in education hasn’t changed, we continuously adapt to the changing world
around us. Our high standards, modern methods and welcoming atmosphere draw students
from across the state, as well as school administrators eager to employ them.
About the UCM College of Education
Tools For Success
Be prepared to teach math in a modern classroom
Teach with the tools your students will want to use — and with a mindset that will
engage them. Develop and practice your lessons using the latest technology and devices
in our fully outfitted computer lab. Familiarity with the newest tools and solid training
in educational fundamentals will equip you to excel in any classroom, no matter what
the technology is on hand.
Meet Dr. William McGalliard
Program coordinator
Dr. McGalliard works with students both inside and outside the classroom to guide
and inform them about mathematics education. He sponsors the Central Missouri Mathematics
Educators club and teaches courses such as Probability and Statistics for Teachers
and Infinity Processes I.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Dr. Natalia Bailey
Assistant professor, Mathematics Education
Dr. Bailey has experience teaching mathematics at the K–12 level. She is active in
mathematics education organizations, and she works with the Research Council on Mathematics
Learning as the social media director.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Assistant Instructor Carla Beeman
30 years of mathematics teaching experience
Ms. Beeman has taught mathematics to students in grades 7–12, focusing primarily on
pre-algebra and algebra courses. She was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching
Award/Teacher of the Year and was the lead teacher of her school’s math department.
She now focuses on teaching mathematics education to future teachers.
Meet Our Faculty
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