Recommended Coursework for Future Teachers

Consult the CTE web site for the full course of study for teaching mathematics and the Cornell Course Catalog and Rosters for complete course descriptions and to see when these courses are offered.

Mathematics (MATH) Courses

MATH Course Information

For students who want to pursue teaching, the following mathematics courses are highly recommended (and required for the CTE program):

  • MATH 451: Euclidean and Spherical Geometry
  • MATH 403: History of Mathematics
  • MATH 408: Mathematics in Perspective
  • MATH 507: Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Theory and Practices
  • a statistics course

Education (EDUC) Courses

EDUC Course Information

EDUC 240—The Art of Teaching

For students wanting to see what teaching is about, EDUC 240 is a good introductory course that includes guided observations in schools. However, it is very crowded, and it has been hard for students in the Arts & Sciences College to register. If you already know you want to teach mathematics, then you should take other courses.

EDUC 404—Learning and Teaching I
EDUC 405—Learning and Teaching in Agriculture, Mathematics and Science

These are the courses where you will learn the basics of teaching. Over the course of the year, there are 80 hours of observation in schools. You will discuss basic theory and practice of learning and teaching. Students keep journals and teach some lessons. The second semester (405) is taught in separate sections focusing on Mathematics, Science, or Agriculture.

EDUC 411—Educational Psychology

This course is a standard requirement for teaching certification in almost any state. You will need such a course at some time if you plan to teach. No field experience.

EDUC 420—Field Experience

Students may engage in planned, semiprofessional, or professional practice in an educational enterprise. Each student prepares a plan of action including rationale, purposes, and procedures and arranges with a faculty member to supervise and evaluate their field experience.

 

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Last modified:March 13, 2008