Preservice Math Program

Lewis & Clark prepares mathematics teachers to succeed in the 21st century. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Initial Teaching License offered through the Graduate School of Education and Counseling prepares new teachers to think analytically about their subject matter, their practice of the teaching craft, and their role in the ethical and organizational dilemmas of schooling.

The Preservice MAT in Mathematics degree complements similar programs in other subject areas as well as early childhood/ elementary education. These programs all stress a strong academic background, a commitment to student-centered curriculum, and a dedication to serving the needs of diverse learners.

The program prepares students to:

  • Present mathematics as an engaging, dynamic human activity.
  • Plan for conjecture, discovery, puzzlement, and surprise as part of the learning process.
  • Honor student differences as well as their ideas and approaches.
  • Encourage the use of multiple methods and representations.
  • Integrate technology as a tool for mathematical understanding.
  • Communicate the aesthetic elegance and intellectual power of inquiry.
  • Explore the social and political challenges associated with modern mathematics education.

Program Features

  • Coursework focusing on mathematics content, middle and high school teaching, and curriculum integration.
  • Program components that emphasize the social and cultural contexts of schooling and adolescent development.
  • Attention to national and state standards for teaching mathematics.
  • A school-year-long internship in a middle or high school in the Portland Metropolitan area working with a dedicated veteran mathematics mentor teacher.
  • A “swap” practicum in the other grade level band (middle or high school) to complement the internship.
  • Fulfillment of the requirements for an Oregon Initial Teaching License at the middle level and high school grades.
  • Four semesters of course work: 1st summer, fall, spring, and 2nd summer.

Admissions Expectations

In Oregon, there are two levels of endorsement in secondary mathematics:

  • Basic (licensed for middle level; through algebra I).
  • Advanced (licensed for high school; includes calculus and beyond).

Students holding a baccalaureate degree in mathematics—whether recent graduates or career transition professionals will be considered for the Advanced endorsement program.

Students holding undergraduate minors in mathematics or successful completion of a minimum of three undergraduate courses from the following list will be considered for the Basic endorsement program:

  • Calculus II
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Number Theory
  • Combinatorics
  • Abstract Algebra
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Differential Equations
  • Topology
  • Mathematical Logic
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Courses in computer languages, programming, or graphics, or other approved electives from a mathematics-related field will be considered as relevant content preparation.

Integrated Program of Study and Practicum

The program of study and practicum for the preparation of middle and high school mathematics teachers consists of a minimum of 40 semester hours as outlined below. The official program of study is available in the current year’s Graduate Catalog. Students select three subject area elective courses (6 semester hours) in consultation with the faculty advisor. In addition, they select two semester hours in the innovative Core Program of seminars and courses.

Preservice interns participate in a classroom-based internship under the guidance of a master teacher. The mathematics program at Lewis & Clark places interns with some of the finest teachers in the region, recognized regionally and nationally for their excellence. The internship is 8-10 hours per week from September through mid March, and then aligns with school district contract hours from mid-March through the end of the school year.

Mathematics Endorsements in the Preservice Program

Students are admitted to the preservice mathematics program to pursue Oregon State teaching licensure with one or both of the following endorsements: Advanced Mathematics, Basic Mathematics.

Advanced Mathematics Endorsement:

Individuals preparing to teach high school must seek the Advanced Mathematics endorsement.

Expectations for admission: Completion of a major in mathematics or its equivalent, or a minor in mathematics in conjunction with a degree in science, engineering, economics, computer science, geography or other technical field requiring extensive preparation in mathematics. In some cases, the letter of admission stipulates additional coursework in mathematics is required to earn a recommendation for licensure from Lewis & Clark College.

Passing scores on the following exams are required for licensure with an advanced endorsement:

  • Basic Skills Testing: Praxis I, CBEST or WEST-B: Reading, Writing and Mathematics
  • ORELA - Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment:
            MSE: Multiple Subjects Exams I and II
            Civil Rights Exam (Test No. 008)
  • ORELA - Subject area test - Mathematics (Advanced) (Test No. 304)

Basic Mathematics Endorsement:

Individuals preparing to teach at the middle level (through Algebra I) may seek the Basic Mathematics endorsement. Expectations for admission: An undergraduate minor in mathematics or successful completion of a minimum of three undergraduate courses from the following: Calculus II, Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Number Theory, Combinatorics, Abstract Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Differential Equations, Topology, Mathematical Logic, Numerical Analysis, courses in computer languages, programming, or graphics, or other approved electives from a mathematics-related field. In some cases, the letter of admission stipulates additional coursework in mathematics is required to earn a recommendation for licensure from Lewis & Clark College.

Passing scores on the following exams are required for licensure with a basic endorsement:

  • Basic Skills Testing: Praxis I, CBEST or WEST-B:  Reading, Writing and Mathematics
  • ORELA - Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment:
            MSE: Multiple Subjects Exams I and II
            Civil Rights Exam (Test No. 008)
  • ORELA - Subject area test - Mathematics (Middle Grades Math) (Test No. 203)

More Information

For further information about subject area preparation, licensing, and course offerings in the teaching of Mathematics, please contact:

Lisa Lavelle, MA Teacher Education
lisalavelle@lclark.edu
(503) 768-6028