The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is pleased to partner with ESU 3 and OPS to offer graduate programs Primarily Math (for grades K-3 teachers) and ITEAM, Intermediate TEAchers of Mathematics (grades 4-6), starting in the summer of 2020. The deadline to apply for Primarily Math and ITEAM is Feb. 1.
These programs have been proven to be effective in strengthening teachers’ and positively effects students’ mathematical achievement. The first two courses this summer for Primarily Math are Math 800P (offered June 8-12) and Math 801P (June 15-19), both at ESU 3. For ITEAM, the first two courses are Math 800T (June 8-12) and Math 804P (June 15-19), also at ESU 3. Each course is worth 3 graduate credits at UNL and counts toward a master’s degree. Primarily Math teachers earn a K-3 Mathematics Specialist Certificate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln upon completion of the program.
OBJECTIVES: The Primarily Math and ITEAM curriculum includes three mathematics courses and three courses focused on teaching mathematics and children’s mathematical development. Teachers will achieve:
• Strengthened conceptual knowledge of place value in the base 10 number system and its role in algorithms for whole number operations and in computational flexibility,
• A deep understanding of number (whole numbers and fractions) and operation in the elementary mathematics curriculum,
• Increased awareness of “habits of mind of a mathematical thinker”, how they apply to their own learning and to students’ problem solving skills,
• An in-depth understanding of measurement, geometry and spatial reasoning and their roles in the elementary mathematics curriculum,
• A strong foundation in early algebra, patterns, relations, functions, symbolic representation and the structures of our number system,
• A well-developed appreciation of the intuitive mathematical understandings that children bring to school, and an understanding of how to foster children's learning across mathematical learning trajectories,
• An understanding of the role of cognitive demand in an elementary learning environment and leveraging this knowledge for improved task selection, engagement, discourse and overall classroom instruction, and
• The acquisition of pedagogical tools (such as “talk moves”) to increase student engagement, and strategies to involve families and support diverse learners.
FUNDING: Teachers should discuss possibilities for tuition support with school or district administrators. A teacher can expect to pay about $6,200 total for the six courses before district assistance. If you are selected for NMSSI Fellowships for the summer courses, the cost could be reduced to about $4,500.
HOW TO APPLY:
PRIMARILY MATH: Apply via CollegeNET by Feb. 1: https://go.unl.edu/gradapp
Because this is an official graduate certificate program at UNL, there is a $50 application fee upfront and teachers will have to request official transcripts for any college degrees they have at the time of application.
Go to https://go.unl.edu/gradapp to create your account in the new application system, CollegeNet. Once logged in, fill out each step. Under Program Selection, search for "k-3" and choose "K-3 Mathematics Specialist (Graduate Certificate)" and Summer 2020 for the term. This application requires a resume/CV, personal statement and two letters of recommendation. Please note that applications that are in progress will not be seen by Kate Rask or the program advisors in TLTE until fully submitted.
ITEAM:
Please apply through the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education by Feb. 1. Create an Account here: http://go.unl.edu/scimathapply . Once logged in, click on Apply next to the “ITEAM: Intermediate Teachers of Mathematics” application. Complete each of the steps, which will include uploading your resume, one letter of recommendation, and an essay, as well as sending a principal notification.
Once you are accepted into the ITEAM program, you will have to apply to UNL as a post-baccalaureate, non-degree student via CollegeNET; instructions to come upon acceptance. Note that there will be a $50 application fee in CollegeNET, and teachers will have to request official transcripts for any college degrees they have at the time of application.
Please contact Lindsay Augustyn at laugustyn2@unl.edu with any questions. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2020, for both programs, and must be completed for admittance. Note that these are different applications for the two different programs.