The Mathematics Education program prepares students to understand the latest developments in the research and teaching of mathematics in order to impact future generations in an ever-changing society.
Our program prepares future educators and researchers to be responsive in teaching practice to develop mathematical understanding for all. Through coursework and time in school classrooms, students have opportunities to apply core teaching practices and engage in teaching mathematics for understanding across many contexts.
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Programs with Teacher Licensure
BA Mathematics Education
Dual degree program preparing students for teaching grades 5-12.
BA/MAT Mathematics Education
Undergraduate math degree plus a Master's in Teaching accomplished in 5 years.
MAT Mathematics Education
Master's in Teaching for those who have already completed a BS/BA in an area of math.
Programs (Non-licensure)
MA Mathematics Education
Master’s in Math Education with advanced specialization in mathematics and education as a better foundation for current K-12 teachers.
MS STEM Education
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
PhD Mathematics Education
Doctoral degree in mathematics education; thesis required.
Funding Opportunities
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship - Mathematics
The nationally recognized Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship is awarded to exceptional science, technology, and engineering students who plan on teaching mathematics in a high-need school district after graduation. The award is $13,000 per year for up to two years.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Noyce Scholarship, students must:
- Be either an incoming junior or senior at the University of Iowa who has a declared major in mathematics (for eligibility to 4+1 program) or
- Be a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (eligible for M.A.T. program)
- Hold US citizen or permanent residency
- Have a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better on a four-point scale
Application Requirements
- A completed online application (including responses to two essay questions).
- Unofficial transcript(s) from the University of Iowa and other college-level institutions that the applicant has attended.
- Two letters of recommendation from mathematics faculty members or other professionals who are familiar with the student's work ethic and can speak to the applicant's commitment to mathematics education and their potential as a teacher.
- You will be asked to list names of your reference providers in the online application. The scholarship committee will then contact your reference providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will scholarship recipients be selected?
Scholarship awards will be made primarily on the basis of academic merit, with consideration for financial need and diversity.
What are the degree options in mathematics education at university of Iowa?
There are three possible ways to get the initial teaching licensure in mathematics.
- Undergraduate degree
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- 4 + 1: Undergraduate and MAT
What counts as a “high-needs” district?
A “high-need local educational agency” is one in which one or more of the following conditions is met: 1) a high percentage of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line; 2) a high percentage of secondary school teachers not teaching in the content area in which the teachers were trained to teach; or 3) a high teacher turnover rate.
The Iowa Department of Education refers to high-needs local education agencies as Schools and Districts in need of assistance (SINA/DINA).
What happens after I am awarded the scholarship?
If not already admitted to the MAT or 4+1 program, scholarship awardees must complete the application process and be admitted into the appropriate Teacher Education Program. During completion of their degree program, Noyce Scholars participate in professional development opportunities such as workshops and seminars aimed at helping them develop the skills, they will need to be effective teachers in high-needs areas.
After graduation, Noyce Scholars complete two years of teaching in a high-need school district per year of scholarship support received and participate in surveys and research interviews as part of project-level and program evaluation efforts.
What happens if I receive an award but do not complete the teaching service requirement?
If a Noyce Scholar fails to comply with the agreement, the funding becomes a loan that must be repaid. All funds received will be repaid plus relevant interest until the full amount is recovered.
Are current mathematics teachers eligible for the Noyce Scholarship?
Unfortunately, current mathematics teachers are not eligible for the Noyce Scholarship.
Noyce Scholars (by cohort)
2020-2021
- Caleb Potts
- Lincoln Aunan
2021-2022
- Brooke Hitchcock
- Jay Huff
- Kathleen Hearn
- Allisyn Coghlan
2022-2023
- Joseph Bartling
Contact and PI Information
Please direct questions about the scholarship to: COE-Noyce-Math@uiowa.edu
Dae (Danny) Hong
dae-hong@uiowa.edu
Ryan Kinser
ryan-kinser@uiowa.edu
Angel Figueroa (graduate assistant)
angelluis-figueroarosado@uiowa.edu
NSF DUE 1852725
- Danny Hong
- Maggy Tomova
Teacher Education
Our Teacher Education Program (TEP) provides diverse experiences with supportive mentors to effectively prepare you for your future classroom.
To learn more about classroom experiences and the Teacher Education Program, please:
Classroom Experience and Student Teaching
We believe you shouldn’t have to wait until your final semester of college to work with students and make sure teaching is right for you. In your program you will be given opportunities to work in real classrooms with students from the moment you are admitted to the program.
Teacher Leader Certificate
The certificate encourages strong classroom leadership skills, helps you better understand the context in which our schools operate, and enables you to better innovate, improve, develop and discover your identity as an emerging teacher leader. Prepare to support your students’ social emotional learning needs and become a stand-out hire after graduation.
“The Math Education program has been a very patient and supportive piece of my academic career.”
Caleb Potts
Noyce Scholar
Faculty and Research
In addition to overseeing program curriculum and an implementation of the above areas, mathematics education faculty engage in research focused on teacher development and advocacy.
To see associated faculty, please visit: Faculty Listing.
Areas of expertise include:
- Professional Noticing
- Responsive Pedagogy
- Technology
- STEM
- Curriculum Analysis
- Math Content Learning
Admissions and Application
Please visit the degree pages for specific admissions information:
Apply Now
Start your application! Please review the requirements and supplemental documents for your degree option before starting.
Program Resources
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
SIG/RME
Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)
International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME)
Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM)
Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE)
State of Iowa
Iowa Department of Education
Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP)
Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM)
National (United States) Agencies
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Fastlane
United States Department of Education
Institute for Educational Studies (IES)
Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences
National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB)
International Agencies
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)
Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum (CSMC)
Centers for Learning and Teaching Network (CLTNet)
Applets
NCTM Illuminations
Shodor Interactive
Java Boutique
Hand-Held
Software
Key Curriculum Press
Geometer's Sketchpad
Fathom
TinkerPlots
GeoGebra
Mathematica
MS Office Suite
Concept Mapping Tools
Other Hardware
Smart Board
Elmo (Document Camera)
Overhead Projector
Television
Document Projector
Elementary Courses
- EDTL:3163 Methods: Elementary School Mathematics
- EDTL:3534 Methods: Middle School Mathematics
Secondary Courses
- EDTL:3532 Introduction and Practicum: Mathematics
- EDTL:3534 Methods: Middle School Mathematics
- EDTL:4535 Methods: High School Mathematics
- EDTL:4087:0051 Seminar - Curriculum and Student Teaching: Mathematics
- EDTL:4089:0051 Elementary School Special Subject Area Student Teaching
- EDTL:4091:0051 Observation and Lab Practice in Secondary School: Mathematics
- EDTL:4092:0051 Observation and Lab Practice in Secondary School: Mathematics
Contact Us
TEP Programs
Danny Hong
N461 Lindquist Center
319-335-5367
dae-hong@uiowa.edu
Graduate Programs
Brian Hand
S200B Lindquist Center
319-335-5590
brian-hand@uiowa.edu