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Hofstra University’s Mathematics Education programs places strong emphasis on discovery learning and learning through multiple cultural perspectives. Candidates will be encouraged to craft lessons that engage learners, incorporate technology, and stress understanding over rote memorization. Students will be given opportunities to practice differentiation, cooperative learning, and effective classroom management. Hofstra University’s approach is also “minds-on,” emphasizing critical thinking, deeper levels of questioning, and meaningful problem-solving
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Getting Started
Student Resources
Math Superstar
Mathematics and Mathematics Education
Dr. Lisa Downey, assistant principal at Mineola High School, developed her passion for math, education and technology at Hofstra, where she earned five degrees. The creative spirit she brings to her work has led Mineola to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School.
Career Outlook
Shortage Area
Current NYS shortage reports show that areas including Math and Science consistently show as a high need. Hofstra University has strong connections to the field, partnering with schools to provide placement for observation and student teaching, so our ability to connect our students to potential jobs is strong!
Check out NYSUT Report on The Teacher Shortage
- Enrollment in New York State’s teacher education programs has declined by 53 percent since 2009.
- NYS Teacher Retirement System projects that 1/3 of New York teachers could retire in the next five years.
- U.S. Department of Education has identified 18 teacher shortage areas throughout New York State. A decade ago there were only two.
Paid Internships
In several school districts on Long Island where Hofstra University's School of Education has developed school-university partnerships, where students complete their formal student teaching placements as a paid intern. Employment as interns provides valuable clinically rich experiences at the conclusion of the teacher training program and gives interns solid experience on which to continue building a resume as they work to secure a first teaching position.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I start the program?
- Applications are being accepted currently for Summer and Fall 2023, with decisions being made on a rolling basis
- What if I don’t have a degree in math?
- Students are advised to take courses in preparation for the program. Students may also consult with program director prior to applying for acceptance into programs.
- How long does it take to complete each program?
- Undergraduate majors typically take four years; graduate programs can be completed in as little as one calendar year, including summer sessions.
- How do students network to find employment post graduation?
- Many students have found employment through student teaching opportunities. Additionally, a focus in placed on obtaining pertinent skills (i.e. interviewing, resume building, networking, etc.) during class work.
- Is there a deadline for admission?
- Graduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for scholarship opportunities and flexible course registration.
- Are there scholarships available?
- Departmental scholarships are available on a competitive basis. All graduate applications are reviewed for these awards, and as previously mentioned, applicants are encouraged to apply early for such opportunities.
Loan forgiveness programs are available on the undergraduate and graduate levels:
Learn about School of Education scholarships.
Meet our Program Director
Hear from our Math Education Director about the Math Education field and Hofstra’s Programs!
As a product of Hofstra University’s Math Education programs, how did the program prepare you for your career?
As a Hofstra graduate, I had the perfect balance of pedagogical training and hands-on, practical fieldwork. Being a participant observer early on in my education put me in the field and prepared me for student teaching, where I had the opportunity to demonstrate the learning theories I had studied in my classes. I was guided immensely by my field supervisor and influenced to take risks like using manipulatives and discovery learning to teach. I was also exposed to the latest teaching technologies, which I incorporated into my lessons and impressed supervising teachers and administrators. When I went on interviews to become a math teacher, I felt I had the upper hand over other candidates because I was able to speak to relevant learning theories and techniques from both a research-based and real-world perspective. I was inspired to be an innovator, and I strive to inspire Hofstra students to do the same.
What qualities make for a successful Math teacher? A successful math teacher can approach learning through multiple cultural perspectives, can access content using multiple modalities of learning, and encourages the problem-solving process over a final answer being right or wrong. Oftentimes students build up an immense amount of anxiety trying to get a correct answer. A successful math teacher takes this stress off of the student by emphasizing the process to arrive at an answer over the answer itself. Creating meaningful opportunities using discovery learning also helps to achieve this goal.
What are some approaches to teaching will students experience in their training? Students will hear phrases like “discovery learning” and “make the worksheet come to life” incessantly throughout the program. Candidates will be encouraged to craft lessons that engage learners, incorporate technology, and stress understanding over rote memorization. Students will be given opportunities to practice differentiation, cooperative learning, and effective classroom management. We often hear the phrase “hands-on,” and Hofstra’s approach is also “minds-on,” emphasizing critical thinking, deeper levels of questioning, and meaningful problem-solving. We are anti-"chalk and talk" and students will experience ways to creatively teach concepts that are often thought of as mundane.
What are some characteristics of Hofstra’s Math Education programs that set Hofstra a part from anywhere else? Hofstra’s Math Education Program gets candidates into the field before any other school. We have Participant-Observation hours that immerse our students into the teaching world before they student teach. When a teacher candidate gets to student teaching, they’ve already had the opportunity to be observed by a field supervisor, have confidence standing up on the teaching stage, and are ready to shine.
Tell me more about the STEM Integration? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The STEM integration of our program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning while keeping students up to date on the latest teaching technologies to apply to the problem-solving process. Most students don’t know what engineering is, or how it is useful. Through studying STEM integration, our candidates challenge students to use math and science in solving real-world predicaments using reasonable parameters. It teaches our candidates, and ultimately their students, to be technology savvy, independent problem solvers.
What should career changers expect as they explore this field? Career changers should expect a challenge! Oftentimes educators settle on teaching students the way they were taught, and this program really encourages you to teach using completely different methods—multiple methods—appealing to the way individual students learn. Career changers should also expect excitement! This is not a “desk job”! In this field, you’re on your feet every day, you’re circulating around the room forming connections, impacting the way students think, and gathering formal and informal data to modify your practice. Yes, you’ll have a principal as your official boss, but ultimately everything you’ll do in the classroom will be guided by a group of preteens or teenagers, who will influence your approach to lessons. You won't find that in an office!!
What sort of job market are candidates currently facing? A Hofstra education makes you marketable, not just by having Hofstra’s name on your resume, but through the knowledge and experience that you will gain to make your teaching methods, demeanor, and professionalism stand out amongst other candidates. Current NYS shortage reports show that areas including Math and Science consistently show as a high need. Hofstra University has strong connections to the field, partnering with schools to provide placement for observation and student teaching, so our ability to connect our students to potential jobs is strong!
How does Hofstra connect its student to job opportunities?
You’ll be trained by experienced, connected professors who have insight in the field and knowledge of the Long Island’s hiring needs. Oftentimes we are the initial contact from school districts inquiring as to new candidates for employment opportunities that are shared with our students. We have a Career Center to help you develop your resume and practice interview techniques. The Field Placement office is also great resource, as they place you in districts for student teaching that can have hiring needs the following school year. People say that on Long Island it’s “who you know” that will get you a teaching job. The truth is, your own hard work backed by a Hofstra education can and will break down many barriers, resulting in you getting a teaching job soon after graduating. We teach you just how exactly to work toward that goal to get you hired, and we won't give up on you until you do!