The Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Learning and Teaching offers current mathematics teachers a means of engaging in professional development and promoting their knowledge of content and pedagogy.   

The ideal certificate program candidate:

• Is currently in a classroom actively teaching mathematics
• Has at least two years of mathematics teaching experience 
• Is committed to implementing student-centered and problem-based instructional practices that value multiple solution methods

Teaching Mathematics in Middle School and High School

This Drexel University mathematics credential enables current mathematics teachers in grades 4-12 to improve their skills and breadth of expertise in the content area that they teach as well as its relation to the broader mathematics curriculum. The graduate certificate program is also designed to prepare graduates to engage in the development and implementation of elementary, middle school or high school curriculum and instruction as well as content and learning progressions that cut across topics and grade levels.

Teachers of all grade levels will have opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of a variety of elementary, middle and/or secondary mathematics content and pedagogy. Special emphasis is placed on how a broader understanding of math curriculum as a whole informs teaching and supports student understanding.

What Can a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Learning and Teaching Do For You?

The certificate program at Drexel University's School of Education focuses largely on revision and reflection.  There are opportunities for teachers to unpack and reconceptualize mathematics in the areas of number sense and numerical operations, geometry and measurement, algebra, data analysis and probability, functions and calculus. 

Drexel University's certificate program instructors provide instruction the same way they want the teachers to teach their students. The emphasis of this unique online certificate program is on the learning process rather than the final product. Specific skills that are key to classroom success – asking good questions, using precise, accurate, powerful language and representations, understanding and building on student thinking and giving good feedback – are modeled and practiced. Coursework for this graduate-level certificate program demonstrate research-based best practices; an experience that allows teachers to facilitate using collaborative, student-centered instruction in their own classroom. 

The Certificate in Mathematics Learning and Teaching curriculum is divided into two parts.  During the first half, teachers work independently on deep, hard and rigorous assignments focused on the content of school mathematics, from grades 4-12.  During the second half, teachers work collaboratively to discuss, evaluate, revise and analyze each others’ solutions.  Finally, there are whole-class discussions where students and faculty discuss the tasks, the solution and explanation, and any pedagogical implications.

Teachers enrolled in the Mathematics Learning and Teaching certificate program take courses alongside teachers enrolled in the MS in Mathematics Learning and Teaching and are encouraged to matriculate into the MS program. 

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Certificate in Mathematics Teaching and Learning?

• Instructional Delivery: Online
• Calendar Type: Quarter
• Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
• Number of Credits to Completion: 15.0

The certificate program consists of 15 credits (5 courses), preparing current mathematics teachers for further study and development in cutting-edge mathematics learning and teaching.

Course descriptions may be viewed in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

What are the Requirements to Earn a Certificate in Mathematics Teaching and Learning?

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
  • Provisional admission may be granted with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99
• Current teacher certification for the middle or high school level
  • Private or charter school teachers without certification can contact the program director for further evaluation
  • Students without certification can pursue other graduate education programs and take MLT courses as electives/content courses

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• An essay describing why you're interested in pursuing this program
• Resume
• Proof of certification for teaching at the middle or high school level
• Additional requirements for International Students

Who is Eligible to Earn a Certificate in Mathematics Teaching and Learning?

• Certificate Level: Graduate
• Admissions Requirements: Bachelor's degree
• Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
• Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible

How Do I Apply to Earn a Certificate in Mathematics Teaching and Learning?

The Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Learning and Teaching program is taught 100% online. Students can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application.

Since the certificate program is customizable to your career goals, there is no typical plan of study. After you have been admitted, your advisor will help you develop a plan of study that fulfills the online certificate program requirements while meeting your own needs. This program does not lead to initial teaching certification.