NOTE: Letters of interest from students looking to begin a part time program in Fall 2024 are now being accepted.

 

Certificate in Mathematics Teaching (Grades 5-9)

A teacher observes a student writing an equation on the chalkboard.

Acadia University's Certificate in Mathematics Teaching (Grades 5-9) will build your skills as a math educator for grades 5-9 (including grade 4/5 splits). The certificate is designed for teachers without a strong background in mathematics or for those seeking to update their knowledge of math curriculum and pedagogy. Our certificate addresses professional development needs identified by the Nova Scotia Department of Education, and the Minister's Advisory Committee on Teacher Certification.

This 30 credit-hour post-B.Ed. program will be offered on a part-time basis through a combination of summer courses and evening courses supported by on-line delivery formats. The first six courses (18 credit hours) include undergraduate mathematics courses focusing on key topics in mathematics curriculum at the target grade levels. The final four courses (12 credit hours) include graduate education courses in pedagogy, curriculum practice and instructional design, and assessment, all focused on these elements as applied to mathematics teaching. 

Most courses will be scheduled on weekends or evenings during the regular academic terms and in May/June. Intensive courses will also be scheduled at Acadia during July/August. Intensive courses will enable cohorts to develop a professional learning community as they complete the degree and beyond. 

The certificate combines undergraduate math courses in topics central to curriculum with graduate courses in education that focus on mathematics pedagogy, in order to provide you with both the content area support and the specific pedagogical knowledge to sharpen your math teaching. The courses are structured to offer a "scope and sequence" approach to math curriculum, providing you with an understanding of the development of these concepts across the grades, as well as the role those concepts play in understanding math in future grades. 

In this program, you'll develop:

  • A broad understanding of mathematics topics and concepts central to math curriculum in grades 5-9, with a focus on how students develop these concepts, on problems that may arise in learning/teaching these concepts, and how the topics are both inter-related and related to continuing topics in the public school math curriculum.
  • An understanding of current research and theory in math pedagogy, and how it informs current math curricula.
  • An understanding of individual, small group, and whole group curriculum and instructional design for the teaching of mathematics.
  • An understanding of assessment as it applies to the learning of mathematics in these key grades.
Courses and Schedule

The tentative course rollout schedule is as follows:

Course Term
MATH 1533 - Mathematical Concepts I tbc
MATH 1543 - Mathematical Concepts II tbc
EDUC 5053 - Topics in Education: Mathematics tbc
EDUC 5673 - Current Research and Theory in Curriculum: Mathematics tbc
MATH 1553 - Patterns and Algebra tbc
MATH 1563 - Number: Whole Numbers, Integers, Rationals, and Real Numbers tbc
EDUC 5843 - Instructional Design Mathematics tbc
MATH 1573 - Geometry: 2D and 3D tbc
EDUC 5303 - Principles of Assessment in Education: Mathematics Assessment tbc
MATH 1583 - Probability, Data Analysis, and Proportion tbc

 

Expressions of Interest and Applications

Step 1: Expressions of Interest

We are currently compiling Expressions of Interest from individuals who may be interested in our next potential 2024 cohort. To gauge the viability of offering this cohort program again pending MPHEC approval (possibly starting in September 2024), interested participants are asked to submit a brief letter of interest (attached document) by email, noting:

  • the reasons for your interest in this program, including your personal and professional experiences that position you well to succeed; and
  • your capacity to attend in-person classes on the weekends in Fall / Winter / Spring terms and in block/compressed in-person courses in the two summers (typically over a few weeks)

If the expressions of interest received serve to establish the viability of moving forward with a 2024 Cohort, students will be invited to submit a formal application (see Step 2 below)

Expressions of interest can be sent by email to brenda.harris@acadiau.ca - please note Math Certificate LOI on the subject line.

Step 2: Applications

If there is sufficient interest for a 2024 cohort, applications will be called for via email invitation, and will require the following:

  1. An online Application (link to be made available)
  2. A Letter of Intent
  3. A Résumé / CV
  4. Two Reference letters (generally, one academic and one professional)
  5. Official Transcripts
  6. Application / Admission Fee

Note: Students are responsible for contacting the teacher certification branch to determine if a program and constituent courses meet requirements for upgrades to licenses or new endorsations for a change in job designation.

Contact Us

To express interest or request further information, please contact:

Brenda Harris
Email: brenda.harris@acadiau.ca

Open Acadia
Acadia University