Elementary Mathematics Specialist P-5 (CERT)

Graduate Certificate in Elementary Mathematics Specialist (P-5)

Unit: College of Education and Human Development
Program Webpage
Department:  Elementary, Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
Academic Plan Code(s): EMASCGR, EMASCGRO

Program Information

This program can be completed 100% online.

The Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS) Graduate Certificate is a 5-course program designed to increase the math teaching expertise of elementary teachers and prepare leaders in mathematics education.  It is  the same coursework as the current EMS non-degree Kentucky endorsement. With adherence to the NCTM standards for Elementary Teachers and the AMTE standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists, the program provides multiple experiences for candidates to learn in collaboration with classroom teachers, administrators, students, and local and professional communities. 

The graduate certificate program is not designed to lead to initial licensure in any state and is intended to prepare certified Kentucky teachers to earn an endorsement to their license.  Although some or all of the program's coursework may count toward stand-alone licenses or endorsements in other states, this program is not an approved endorsement program in states other than Kentucky.  Out of state students who intend to pursue licensure or an endorsement should check with their state licensing board before making a decision about whether this program will meet their needs.  For Kentucky certified teachers, completion of the certificate leads to a teaching endorsement.
The EMS program can be a stand-alone Graduate Certificate or embedded as a specialty area within the Masters in Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning or Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction, or Rank 1 programs.

The learning outcomes for the Graduate Certificate in the Elementary Math Specialist program are as follows:

The EMS Program is designed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills in teaching mathematics, as well as prepare them as leaders to support mathematics instruction in schools and districts.  Program learning outcomes are to:

1. Demonstrate skill in teaching K-5 mathematics developmentally, model effective mathematics teaching practices, and improve students’ conceptual understanding, mathematical fluency, and dispositions towards mathematics. 
2. Develop skills in facilitating professional learning, including coaching, to support colleagues related to improving mathematics teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements
 

• Admission to the graduate school or current enrollment in a graduate program at the University of Louisville.
• Bachelor’s Degree with undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (minimum 3.0 for graduate work)
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
• Valid Teaching Certificate (Certified teachers outside Kentucky should be advised that we cannot guarantee the program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we require a written statement confirming interest in the program for personal development and understanding that the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only.)
• Content prerequisites, as applicable
• Signed KY Code of Ethics and Signed Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement
• International applicants with transcripts that are not in English, in addition to submitting official copies of native language records, must also submit a notarized, verbatim translation in English prepared by an appropriate university or government official. The records must show both the degree granted and all coursework taken during the course of study. Applicants who are submitting transcripts from outside the United States must verify their records by submitting them to one of the following organizations: World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), and other NACES approved evaluators found here https://www.naces.org/members.
• Students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by successfully completing one of the following:
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination – minimum score: 6.5
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination – minimum scores: 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test with Subscores examination – minimum score of 105 and exam must have been taken after January 1, 2020
• Note: International students who have earned a degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. are not required to complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Cumulative GPA > 3.0
• Each course GPA > C
• Score Target or above on all professional standards rubrics for each course signature assessment (Hallmark Assessment Task) and the CAEP Standard RA1 Six sub-components