Mathematics: The Teaching Profession

Certification as a Secondary Education Teacher

Empower the next generation of problem solvers by turning your mastery of mathematics into a high-impact teaching career.

Through a premier partnership between the Department of Mathematics and the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, Winthrop University provides a seamless, elite pathway to becoming a certified math educator. Our programs blend advanced mathematical theory with world-class clinical preparation, ensuring you graduate ready to lead and inspire in any classroom.

Winthrop student solves quadratic equation

Secondary mathematics is a critical-need field in South Carolina, providing our graduates with unmatched career security and exclusive financial benefits.

 

Winthrop student Genesis Logan demonstrates how to solve a quadratic equation. 

 

 

  • 100% Job Placement: Our secondary math education majors consistently achieve a 100% placement rate, entering a market with over 1,000 teacher openings statewide each year.
  • The Master’s Advantage: Earning your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) makes you a highly sought-after candidate and places you on a higher salary tier immediately upon entering the workforce. In the Rock Hill school district first year teachers with a master’s degree make $7000 more than graduates with just an undergraduate degree.
  • Built-in Support: Receive dedicated mentoring and professional development throughout your final year and into your first year of teaching.      

 

Winthrop student works with mentor teacherStudent Teacher Madison Quinn ’26 works with her mentor teacher Andie Davis at Fort Mill High School.

 

Pathways to Certification (Grades 9-12)

The MAT-Accelerated Pathway (1-year Program)

  • Fast-Track Your Career: Complete both your undergraduate math degree and your Master’s in only five years. By minoring in education during your undergraduate program, you streamline the certification process and enter the workforce sooner.
  • Seamless Transition: This program is designed for Winthrop students to bridge the gap between mathematics mastery and classroom leadership without missing a beat.
  • Professional Mentoring: Benefit from dedicated coaching during your final year of study and continued support throughout your student teaching experience.

Traditional MAT(2-Year Program)

Ideal for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and wish to transition into the teaching profession with full pedagogical training.

  • Career Change Ready: This path is ideal for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and want to transition into the classroom with comprehensive pedagogical training.
  • Expert Pedagogy: Gain the teaching strategies and classroom management skills necessary to translate your math expertise into student success.
  • Built-in Support System: Like our accelerated track, you will receive expert mentoring and professional development through your residency and into your first year of full-time teaching.

 

Elementary and Middle Level Math Education

Student working with manipulativesLove math but prefer the energy of the elementary or middle school environment? Winthrop offers specialized undergraduate and graduate degrees focused specifically for elementary and middle level education.

 

 

 

Funding & Scholarship Opportunities

We are committed to removing financial barriers for future STEM educators. Available incentives include:

  • WISER3 Grant: High-achieving STEM students planning to teach can qualify for up to $30,000 in funding to support their graduate journey.
  • SC Teaching Fellows: High school seniors can apply for up to $24,000 over four years.
  • SC Teachers Loan: Gain up to $7,500 per year in loans that are fully canceled if you teach math in a South Carolina public school.
  • SC Scholarship Enhancements: Eligible LIFE and Palmetto Fellows can receive an additional $2,500 per year for choosing an education major.

 

Ready to Secure Your Future?

It is important to make the decision to teach early to ensure you meet all state requirements, including the Praxis series, clinical laboratory experiences, and a full semester of student teaching.

 

Connect with us to learn more:

Department of Mathematics
150 Bancroft Hall | Rock Hill, SC 29733
803-323-2175 | math@winthrop.edu

Richard W. Riley College of Education
Student Academic Services
803-323-2154