Math skills are important for success, but many children struggle with the subject, and slowly fall behind. A great math teacher can remedy this problem by presenting difficult concepts in clear, accessible ways. If you can teach a child strong math skills, you will improve his or her life forever.
For the past several years, there's been a shortage of math teachers, with demand outpacing supply. So there's never been a better time to major in Math Teaching. As a teacher, you will have the opportunity to model strong Christian values to your students, while training them in the subjects necessary to help them succeed.
Don't think you have to be a math whiz, either. Sometimes, individuals who don't naturally excel at math make the best math teachers -- because they have the patience and understanding to explain difficult concepts to those who struggle with them. And Lipscomb's Math Teaching major offers the perfect curriculum for you to build your own knowledge of mathematics, while developing expert teaching skills.
Why Study Mathematics Teaching at Lipscomb?
The Mathematics Teaching major is co-sponsored by the Department of Education and the Department of Mathematics. Education courses are designed to meet standards for Tennessee licensure, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The full-time faculty members in the Department Education are dedicated and highly qualified. The head of the education unit and the director of student teaching have spent over 20 years in the public school system as teachers and principals. They know that good teaching can be demonstrated through actions as well as through words! They have extensive classroom experience, which they will pass on to you through classes and practical fieldwork.
The Mathematics Department is also highly committed to scholarly and academic excellence. Two professors have recently won university awards for excellence in teaching. All six full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees. Last year, members of the department gave a total of 15 presentations at professional meetings, demonstrating their active commitment to research and scholarship. Several faculty members have received prestigious research grants and awards. The faculty's areas of specialization include statistics, analysis, history of mathematics, topology, mathematics education and algebra.
The department offers a variety of courses in many areas of mathematics: calculus, differential equations, probability/statistics, linear algebra, abstract algebra, higher geometry, advanced calculus, discrete mathematics, math modeling, mathematical research and writing, history of mathematics and methods of teaching secondary mathematics. A special topics course allows students to take topology, complex variables, advanced statistics or other subjects of interest.
There are also numerous opportunities for math majors to have fun, relax and socialize.
The department is a host for the annual Tennessee Mathematics Teachers' State Mathematics Contest. We also sponsor a student Mathematics Jeopardy team each year, at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America. The Lipscomb Mathematics Club offers activities as well.
Scholarships & Departmental Awards
The Edgin Mathematics Teaching Scholarship, the Robert Kerce Mathematics Scholarship, and the Clyde and Constance Fulmer Scholarships are available for upperclassmen. Award recipients are chosen according to faculty recommendations.
The Nikolaus Calculus Award is given to a sophomore each year. The Outstanding Mathematics Achievement Award is given to a graduating senior each year.
Clubs & Organizations
The Lipscomb Mathematics Club is affiliated with the Mathematical Association of America. The club sponsors activities such as visiting lecturers, murder mystery dinners, faculty/student dinners and math tutoring sessions.
Internships in Mathematics Teaching
Math Teaching majors can enroll in math-related internships at:
Bryan, Pendleton, Swats and McAlister Actuarial Firm (a division of Wells Fargo)
The Kennedy Center of Vanderbilt University
Select Actuarial Services in Nashville
Math Teaching majors are also encouraged to practice their developing teaching skills in local classrooms. All Education students have the opportunity to participate in field experiences in schools throughout Nashville, including Montessori schools, Paideia schools, Waldorf schools and magnet schools for literature, math and science, fine arts and foreign language.
Careers in Mathematics Teaching
Math Teaching majors can pursue teaching jobs at grade schools and high schools. With additional graduate training, they can teach at the college level. Math majors, with their strong skills in logic and analytical thinking, are appealing to a wide variety of employers. Outside the teaching profession, math majors typically find employment working with finance or statistics.
Meet Our Alumni
Tim Lavender and Dana Keen are employed with Bryan, Pendleton, Swats and McAlister (actuarial firm).
Michael Pigg (Class of '05) is enrolled in a doctorial program in mathematics at the University of Tennessee.
Graduate Study
Recent graduates have gone on to graduate school at the University of Tennessee, University of Alabama, Vanderbilt University and Pepperdine University.
Coursework
In addition to courses in Education, students majoring in Mathematics Teaching will enjoy courses such as Calculus; Discrete Mathematics; Logic, Proof and Mathematical Modeling; Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics; Linear Algebra; History of Mathematics; Math Lab Tutoring; Introduction to Higher Geometry and more.
Please refer to your course catalog for more information.
"Senior mathematics majors consistently perform well on the Major Field Exam. In 2005, Brian Bates scored a perfect 200 out of 200; and in 2006, Kelly Russel scored 195 out of 200. The yearly average scores have been above the 88th percentile for the past four years with the score above the 95th percentile two of these years. This exam is used by universities and colleges nationwide." -- Dr. Carroll G. Wells, Chair of the Mathematics Department.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
About Lipscomb
