What is Mathematics (Grades 7-12)?
The Mathematics Certification Area prepares candidates to teach Mathematics in New York State’s middle schools (grades 7-8) and high schools (grades 9-12). The program provides an experiential, problem-solving approach to mathematics instruction. It will assist future teachers of mathematics to develop a strong understanding and pedagogical approach to the Common Core State Standards that require all students to develop the following mathematical knowledge and skills:
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
2. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
3. Reason abstractly and quantitatively
4. Model with mathematics
5. Attend to precision
6. Use appropriate tools strategically
7. Look for and make use of structure
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
Meet Abdelwahab, Mathematics Teacher (Grades 7-12) & NYCTC Ambassador:
What brought me to the NYC Teaching Collaborative:
What brought me to supporting the NYC Teaching Collaborative as an ambassador is my desire to inform and guide new teachers to being prepared on day one. Although I was not part of the Collaborative myself, I learned firsthand that the first year of teaching is, without doubt, the toughest year because it isn’t just about knowing the math but everything else. The stakes are always high for teachers because of the implications it has on the lives of so many young people. Being part of NYCTC means having an ongoing mentor and partner that works with you every step of the way to ensure success for you and all of our students. I know that NYCTC gives our teachers the best support and training and I take it as a personal responsibility I want to ensure potential new teachers understand and see why.
I currently work in the Bronx in District 11.
My certification area is Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
I am an ambassador for the: New York City Teaching Collaborative
I graduated from Relay Graduate School of Education with a Master's in the Art of Education and a concentration in Mathematics. While this university has supported this subject for candidates in the past for our alternative certification programs, I cannot confirm that will be the case for this year. Please be in touch with the Enrollment team for university assignment updates.
What my class schedule looks like:
My class schedule has several things in addition to my teaching periods. I have 19 teaching periods in the week plus four meeting periods that include a department meeting, a whole grade meeting, a grade level math common planning meeting, and an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) meeting. There is a daily prep that is used for planning for classes. Two days a week (Not shown on the schedule) I remain in the school building for an additional 70 minutes for professional development and parent engagement time.
What my classroom looks like:
Typically, my classroom is set up in groups but because of COVID, student's desks are separated to ensure social distancing. The teacher's desk is always pushed away to the side, either in the front or the back of the classroom, because it is not something I use while students are in the classroom. Student work along with the math standards and rubrics are posted across the bulletin boards. In front of the classroom, there is a smartboard along with posters of encouragement and established classroom norms. As we begin a unit of study, artifacts of the work we do are hanged throughout the classroom that both students and I reference throughout the unit.
Why the Teaching Collaborative is the right choice for new teachers:
I wholeheartedly believe that Teaching Collaborative is the best choice for all teachers even if they taught elsewhere before because NYC is unlike anywhere else in the world. Teaching in a high-needs area is both exciting and challenging which is why the hands-on experience that you will get as part of the Collaborative is a recipe for success. In the Collaborative, you will work directly with students, colleagues, and administration and all that goes along with it including teaching, lesson planning, and engaging students and parents. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, and the Collaborative uses that mindset in helping you become the best teacher you can be. Being a Teaching Collaborative will ensure that the first day of the school year in the fall is not your first day as a teacher.
Eligibility Requirements
Bachelor's degree or higher in Mathematics
OR
30 credits in Mathematics coursework (with a grade of C or higher in each undergraduate course and B- in each graduate course)
Acceptable credits in Math include: Mathematical reasoning, quantitative methods, number theory and concepts, algebra, analytic geometry, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics.
Not acceptable: Computer science, accounting, finance, and studies in which math is applied to solving problems (like engineering)
Candidates who receive offers to NYC Department of Education alternative certification programs will have their transcripts evaluated by their university (after enrollment) to determine if they have a sufficient mix of liberal arts coursework to meet New York State requirements; some candidates may be required to take additional coursework to earn their Initial Certification. This coursework will be at their own expense . Universities typically evaluate transcripts for liberal arts credits across the following disciplines: Artistic Expression, English, Foreign Language, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science/History.
Certification and Testing Requirements
You will receive certification in Mathematics Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12). Successful completion of your master's degree coursework will lead to a Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescent Education Mathematics Grades 7 – 12.
While you complete your master’s degree coursework, you will work in your full-time NYC DOE school position under a Transitional B certificate issued by New York State. The Transitional B certificate is valid for up to three years on the condition that you remain in good standing in your NYC DOE alternative certification program.
You must take and pass the two certification exams listed below in order to be eligible for certification in Mathematics Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12).
Where can I secure a job?
As a Mathematics candidate, you can secure a position in Mathematics in Grades 7-12.
Helpful Links and Resources:
NYC Common Core Math Standards
Common Core Engage NY Scope and Sequence
WeTeach Pearson and Go Math Curriculum
National Council for Teachers of Mathematics
List of Math Resources and organizations
Math Toolkit Curriculum Guidance Materials and Resources
Glossary associated with New York’s Next Generation Learning Standards