What you'll learn

Educators lay an important foundation for mathematical knowledge when teaching K-12 students about math principles. Students successfully learn math concepts when teachers tailor curriculum to what students already know.

Many of today’s top career fields require mathematical skills. Students need teachers who are able to adapt teaching goals and activities based on students’ conceptions and experiences so that they will be able to solve complex problems and be ready for college and careers.

The University of Colorado Denver’s Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching certificate focuses on augmenting practicing teachers’ mathematical content knowledge for teaching. This certificate is designed for teachers of grades K-12, including mathematics teachers and special education teachers.

This certificate will prepare you to:

• Increase your knowledge of number systems and ability to foster students’ understanding of number, quantity and operation.
• Develop your understanding of algebra concepts and effective ways to increase students’ learning of equivalence, variable, covariation and function.
• Expand your geometrical reasoning and your ability to promote students’ understanding of transformation, measurement, classification, objects, imagery, formulas and investigation.

Each course’s themes are designed around national and state standards, particularly the Colorado Common Core State Standards. In these engaging and informative courses, educators will explore and expand their own content knowledge while examining and increasing their understanding of how students develop such knowledge.

Faculty

Faculty at CU Denver match your passion for mathematics education and improving K-12 student outcomes. You will interact with faculty who continually engage in mathematics education research and practice at the local, state, national and international levels. Through leading grants for the National Science Foundation, our faculty put research in to practice. Our faculty collaborate with district and state leaders to ensure you are prepared for the current challenges that schools and districts face.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career. We have a name that is recognized for preparing mathematics leaders of excellence who value diversity and inclusion. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.