Mathematics Teaching Major
The UNI Department of Mathematics is home to an exemplary math teaching program, which graduates more math teachers than any other university in the state.
Our math teaching major combines a broad education in mathematics with UNI’s outstanding educator preparation program, giving you the chance to take classes in both the Mathematics Department, and our award-winning College of Education.
Because we understand the value of learning by doing, each of our math teaching majors will gain 750 student teaching hours before graduation, and leave with all of the certification needed to start teaching right away.
Top ranked
The UNI Department of Mathematics is home to a top-ranked online M.A. in math education program.
96%
Of UNI students are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
Leader
In Mathematics education. UNI graduates more future math teachers than any other institution in the state.
Find out More About Mathematics Teaching
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Mathematics
College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
50614-0506
Phone: (319) 273-2631
Email: mathematics@uni.edu
Learn about UNI's Top-Ranked Math Teaching program
Opportunities for Students
Math Education Lab
Located in Wright Hall 209, the lab is a resource that is available to students funded by the mathematics department. The purpose of the lab is to provide resources for undergraduates, graduates, area teachers and the mathematics department faculty.
Annual Math Competition
Talented UNI mathletes participate in the annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition on the first Saturday in December of every year. This prestigious competition is open to U.S. and Canadian undergraduates and offers cash prizes of up to $25,000 for the first place team and $2,500 for the top five individuals.
Math Education Lab
Located in Wright Hall 209, the lab is a resource that is available to students funded by the mathematics department. The purpose of the lab is to provide resources for undergraduates, graduates, area teachers and the mathematics department faculty.
Annual Math Competition
Talented UNI mathletes participate in the annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition on the first Saturday in December of every year. This prestigious competition is open to U.S. and Canadian undergraduates and offers cash prizes of up to $25,000 for the first place team and $2,500 for the top five individuals.
The Mathematics Department at UNI is amazing, and I am thankful for my professors, who truly care. I’m excited to help my future students develop their love for math.
What’s the process?
- Begin major content: Start building your foundation in your chosen area of teaching.
- First field experience: Spend 30 hours working with PK-12 students to get a closer look at teaching as a career.
- Get admitted to teacher education: Apply to the UNI Teacher Education Program after declaring your major, completing initial course credit – then celebrate at the induction ceremony!
- More courses and more field experience: Gain knowledge, responsibility and experience as you teach your first lessons during 25 hours of Level 2 field experiences in local schools, followed by up to a full week immersion in Level 3.
- Student teach: It all comes together in your final semester of 16 weeks of student teaching in Iowa, nationally, even internationally.
- Graduate, and get your license to teach: Get your diploma, and we’ll assist you through the licensure process with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
What sort of classes will I take?
- Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School Effective instructional models and strategies for teaching elementary school mathematics; involves selecting and designing mathematical tasks, creating an environment, and orchestrating discourse. Using and supplementing mathematics materials within a sound psychological framework for making instructional decisions.
- Introduction to Geometry and Measurement for Elementary Teachers Van Hiele levels of thinking. Investigation of two- and three-dimensional concepts, rigid transformations, symmetry, and spatial sense.
- Field Experience in Teaching Secondary Mathematics Field experience in which students are actively involved in preparing and teaching lessons in 6-12 mathematics classrooms. Teacher candidates will spend a minimum of 30 hours in math classrooms. In preparing, teaching and reflecting on their lessons, teacher candidates will be expected to draw on theory and research related to teaching and learning processes, motivation, and classroom management and to discuss these theory/practice connections in required written assignments.
Hear from our students!
UNI's Math Education program is one of the best in the Midwest, but don't just take our word for it – hear for yourself from our students.
Undergraduate Research
Through unique undergraduate research experiences, students in the Department of Mathematics have the chance to take their learning beyond the classroom – solving real-world problems. Working side-by-side with professors, you’ll build your resume, develop practical skills that set you apart from the crowd, and have the chance to publish your work for the world to see. There are paid research opportunities, along with research-for-credit opportunities.