Master Mathematics Teacher Program, The State of Texas

MMT (Grades 8-12)

Inalco TEKS-NIQUES (Games I)

Master Mathematics Teacher Overview

Legislation passed in 2001 (House Bill 1144) required the creation of the Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT) Certificate, the development of standards for the certificate, and the development of Master Mathematics Teacher certification examinations in grades EC-4, 4-8, and 8-12. The Master Mathematics Teacher certificate was created by the 77th Texas legislature "to ensure that there are teachers with special training to work with other teachers and with students in order to improve student mathematics performance…" A committee composed of mathematics instruction experts representing Texas public schools, educator preparation programs, the Texas Mathematics Initiative, Texas citizens, and governmental policymakers met three times in 2001 to formulate and refine the MMT standards. After review by state and national mathematics experts, the standards were approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) at the January 2002 Board meeting.
DEFINITION:
A Master Mathematics Teacher is an individual who holds a Master Mathematics Teacher Certificate and whose primary duties are to teach mathematics and to serve as a mathematics mentor to other teachers.
PURPOSE:
The Master Mathematics Teacher Certificate is being implemented as a part of the Texas Mathematics Initiative, which offers mathematics educators assistance to improve student performance in mathematics.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Master Mathematics Teacher Certificate may be obtained by an individual who holds a teaching certificate, has at least three years of teaching experience, completes an SBEC-approved Master Mathematics Teacher preparation program, and passes the Master Mathematics Teacher certification exam.

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has notified existing educator preparation programs, regional education service centers, school districts, and other interested entities of the opportunity to provide Master Mathematics Teacher preparation programs.

Master Mathematics Teacher standards should be integrated into newly designed programs. The MMT standards are based on the rigorous EC-12 Mathematics educator standards and reflect the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Early Childhood through Grade 12 mathematics. The MMT standards require knowledge of: 1) Number Concepts, 2) Patterns and Algebra, 3) Geometry and Measurement, 4) Probability and Statistics, 5) Mathematical Processes, 6) Mathematics Instruction, 7) Creating and Promoting a Positive Learning Environment, 8) Assessment, 9) Mentoring and Leadership, and 10) Mathematical Perspectives.