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Math Education Programs


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I have been accepted into three grad programs. I have a BS in math, and now intend to enter into teaching (High school or community college). My three programs to decide between are these:

1) MS for Math Educators: Essentially one takes the regular math courses a master's math student would take and some additional math ed courses. This does not come with certification, but where I will be teaching the state only requires praxis tests to be passed if you have a graduate degree. Also, full stipend for 2 years, insurance, tuition. This school has a bad ass math dept. Ranked somewhere around Carnegie mellon. Of course, I won't be in the PhD program so it might not matter.

2) MA in secondary education. Will probably focus on math edu courses. But, I don't think i will have the chance to take much grad level math at this one. Good notable education college. Our state's teacher college. Slightly better support than the above mentioned since the program is only 1 year in length. But comes with a commitment to teach in high need. I probably will teach in high need rural anyway though.

3) PhD math program at not the greatest ranked program. Tuition, stipend, but I must pay my own insurance. I would only stay for the masters then bail out. PhD is way too long. Depressing to think about.

I suppose I wanted to see what you guys thought would give me the most opportunities later in my career. Maybe DOE as a math ed specialist? Community college career sounds pretty sweet, but I'm not sure it's reasonable to shoot for that and forsake getting nice entry into a reliable HS teaching gig. Is community college something I can make a career at? It seems that they hire mostly part time and pay hardly any benefits.

Sorry for the lax grammar. I am tired and lack ambition to be proper at the moment.

And thanks for any help or directing me where to get help. Cheers!

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Yes, also I was wondering what credentials people generally have in order to enter into administration. Is it something people get initially, or is it a degree they get when they're finally interested in pursuing administration type work.

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My personal opinion is that you should go with the program more centered around teaching. You have a very strong math background but no teaching. That part is much harder than it may seem. As for working at the DOE, I'd be surprised if they would hire anyone without 5-10 years in the classroom for a specialist position. There is so much about being a classroom teacher that can't be learned in any graduate program. The practice of teaching is a great teacher itself.

As far as I know, there is no required level of degree for admin positions. however, I think that a EdD is the norm.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I think math is one of the hardiest subjects in my opinion but if you willbe enjoying this subject so I think so will achieve all goals.

According to me Math is not so hard subject.If you do step by step work after understanding it then you can solve very big problems.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello,

I am new to this community. What school is offering each program? Are you located in the US?

I have been accepted into three grad programs. I have a BS in math, and now intend to enter into teaching (High school or community college). My three programs to decide between are these:

1) MS for Math Educators: Essentially one takes the regular math courses a master's math student would take and some additional math ed courses. This does not come with certification, but where I will be teaching the state only requires praxis tests to be passed if you have a graduate degree. Also, full stipend for 2 years, insurance, tuition. This school has a bad ass math dept. Ranked somewhere around Carnegie mellon. Of course, I won't be in the PhD program so it might not matter.

2) MA in secondary education. Will probably focus on math edu courses. But, I don't think i will have the chance to take much grad level math at this one. Good notable education college. Our state's teacher college. Slightly better support than the above mentioned since the program is only 1 year in length. But comes with a commitment to teach in high need. I probably will teach in high need rural anyway though.

3) PhD math program at not the greatest ranked program. Tuition, stipend, but I must pay my own insurance. I would only stay for the masters then bail out. PhD is way too long. Depressing to think about.

I suppose I wanted to see what you guys thought would give me the most opportunities later in my career. Maybe DOE as a math ed specialist? Community college career sounds pretty sweet, but I'm not sure it's reasonable to shoot for that and forsake getting nice entry into a reliable HS teaching gig. Is community college something I can make a career at? It seems that they hire mostly part time and pay hardly any benefits.

Sorry for the lax grammar. I am tired and lack ambition to be proper at the moment.

And thanks for any help or directing me where to get help. Cheers!

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