100% Pass Rate Among SMU's Graduate Teacher Specialists

All graduate education students in the Master Reading and Master Mathematics programs passed their respective Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) in August 2007.  Fourteen teachers and program participants passed the challenging reading test, and two attempted and passed the challenging mathematics test.

A “Master Reading Teacher” is an individual who holds MRT certification and whose primary duty is to serve as a reading mentor to other teachers.  Applicants must be Texas certified, have three years of experience, complete an approved MRT program, and pass the certification exam to earn this speciality certification.  The MRT is the oldest “master teacher” program in Texas.

“Master Mathematics Teachers” serve as mentors for other math teachers in the schools where they work.  They must be Texas certified at the elementary, middle, or high school level.  In addition they must have three years of experience, complete an approved MMT program, and pass the certification exam to add the MTT credential to their basic certification. 

SMU is one of only 14 universities and agencies in Texas to offer a Master Mathematics Teacher program.  In addition to MRT and MMT programs, the University was approved to offer two new master teacher programs— the Master Science Teacher and Master Technology Teacher programs—beginning in fall 2007.  Both new programs are already fully enrolled and are preparing area teachers for the new certifications.  There are 14 other MTT programs in the state.  A list of MST programs is not available from the State, but SMU's MST program is one of only a few approved programs.

In addition to the graduate students who now qualify as master reading and mathematics teachers, an additional SMU student took and passed the Bilingual Education Supplemental Certification test in August as well.