Master Mathematics Teacher

The University and the Department of Teaching and Learning

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development represents the University's commitment to the professional development of educators through innovative and research-based undergraduate, graduate, and professional-development programs. In the field of professional education, the School offers a Doctoral program, three Master's degrees, and a number of graduate certification programs, including Master Technology Teacher (MTT), Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT),  Master Science Teacher (MST), Master Reading Teacher (MRT), English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, Gifted & Talented certification, Bilingual certification, Learning Therapist certification, and Dyslexia Teaching-Level certification.

Master Mathematics Teacher Program

Courses have been redesigned to meet the new state standards for the Master Mathematics Teacher certificate and were aligned with the Competencies required for a Master Mathematics Teacher.  The MMT program offers 12 hours of coursework:  four three-semester-hour graduate courses.  Alternatively, participants can earn 180 hours of staff development in lieu of graduate credit.  The courses include: 

Tuition and Fees

SMU offers a substantially reduced tuition rate for educators. The 2008-09 Academic Year cost is $411 per semester credit hour.   The tuition rate for Academic Year 2009-10 is $435 per semester credit hour. There is a one-time application fee of $75, and students planning to park on-campus must pay a parking fee. Click here to view parking fees.  The estimated annual charges for books and materials are $100-$150.   Students are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their school districts. 

Admission

Students interested in pursuing just the MMT program (rather than pursuing it in combination with an click here for a printable PDF version of the Master Teacher application.  This application form is in Adobe's PDF format; if you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is necessary to open a PDF, click here to download your free copy.  Program applications are also available in the Teacher Education office and can be faxed or mailed to you; please call 214-768-2346.  Students interested in pursuing both the MMT and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) should complete the M.Ed. application.  The MMT courses may be applied to the specialization module of the Master of Education degree.

Each applicant must submit a portfolio that contains the following.

  • a completed application (see above).
  • a 2-3 page statement indicating the applicant's professional goals and why s/he would be effective as a master mathematics teacher.
  • a copy of his/her valid Texas Teaching Certificate.
  • a copy of his/her teaching service record.
  • an official transcript (an unofficial copy will suffice until the first day of class) from the school that awarded the baccalaureate degree; the transcript must reflect both the degree status (i.e., bachelor's degree completed) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Transcripts from countries outside the United States must be accompanied by an official evaluation of the transcript by a recognized U.S. evaluation agency.
  • a resume.
  • three recommendation letters/forms from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic abilities, experience in teaching, and mentoring of others; at least one recommendation must come from the principal or direct supervisor.  The recommendation forms are attached to the program application form (see above).
  • applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English are required to supply scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum score for admission is 550 on a pencil and paper test or 214 on a computer-based test.
  • a $75 non-refundable application fee payable to SMU.

The portfolio must be received by the Department of Teaching and Learning office no later than two weeks before the pertinent semester begins.

Additional Information

For additional information, please call 214-768-2346 or e-mail teachlearn@smu.edu.

“If you dare to teach, you must never cease to learn.”  −Harry Wong