Mathematics and Science Teaching

Campus
New Westminster

Overview

Are you a current K-8 teacher who dreads teaching math and science? Are your lessons stale or “by the book”? With the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching, you’ll build the confidence to become a leader in your classroom, your school and your district. You will also be eligible for TQS upgrading upon program completion. 

A practical, hands-on education

This mathematics and science teaching program provides practical, hands-on experience, including experimenting in chemistry labs, examining geological formations with a geologist and observing stars with an astronomer. Classes take place during evenings, weekends and online. 

Our courses focus on teaching theories and applied skills that you can bring back to your own classroom. You’ll also complete projects that align with your professional goals within the context of teaching mathematics and science. Examples include: 

  • Organizing and running a math or science club. 

  • Preparing and delivering a math/science workshop to peers. 

  • Improving or creating a district math/science teaching resource. 

  • Creating your own curriculum that will benefit your school or district. 

Application information

This program is offered once every two years. The next intake is Fall 2022. 

Applications are accepted until the start of the semester. However, as seats are limited, you are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of getting into the program. 

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Year 1 - Foundation and Content

Complete ALL of:

MSTE 5110 - Teaching Biology and Earth Science (5)

MSTE 5120 - Teaching Chemistry and Physics (5)

MSTE 5130 - Teaching Mathematics (5)

Year 2 - Diversification and Application

Complete BOTH of:

MSTE 5220 - Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Teaching (5)

MSTE 5230  Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science (5)

and ONE of:

MSTE 5210 - Mathematics and Science in Popular Culture (5)

MSTE 5320 - Further Topics in Science Teaching (5)

MSTE 5330 - Further Topics in Mathematics Teaching (5)

 

Admissions Requirements

To enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching, candidates must meet the following prerequisite conditions:

  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
  2. Hold a Professional Teaching certificate from the BC Teachers' Council or be eligible to obtain such certification.

And must submit:

  1. A current curriculum vitae.
  2. One letter of reference, which should speak to the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced work in education. Examples of suitable references include a school or district administrator, district resource person or colleague who has done related post-degree work.
  3. A letter of intent that outlines:
  • long and short-term career goals
  • education background
  • motivations for applying to the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching Program
  • a description of current and short-term future teaching contexts that demonstrate access to teaching mathematics and/or science to students during the program.

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Career Pathways

If you are a Category 4 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the Diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 4 to 5.

If you are a Category 5 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 5 to 5+.;

NOTE: Some districts require approval of a Graduate Diploma Plan before starting your program. Check with your Human Resource department to see if this applies in your district.

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

FAQs

The program is aimed primarily at elementary and middle school teachers. Secondary teachers’ applications may be considered, however the program is not intended for teachers who have a degree in mathematics or science.

Graduates of this program are eligible for Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) upgrading. If you are currently at TQS category 4, you will become eligible for a pay scale upgrade to category 5. If you are currently at TQS category 5, you will become eligible for a pay scale upgrade to category 5+.

Classes take place at the New Westminster Campus, just steps from the New Westminster SkyTrain station.

 

You will take one course per semester; each course costs approximately $850 (including tuition and student fees). For a more accurate break down of the costs, please see the fee schedule.

This is a two-year, six-semester program.

The first three courses in the program are aimed at getting you into doing mathematics and science, and looking at how you apply your knowledge of mathematics and science to your classroom teaching. The next two courses get you to look at popular conceptions of mathematics and science, and into the current research in mathematics and science education. The final course is the synthesis of all you have studied, manifested in a practical project of your choosing. For detailed course descriptions and more information, see the Curriculum tab (above).

The program is organized around the schedules of working teachers. Classes take place either one evening per week or every second Saturday. There’s also an online component. On average, you should expect to spend six to eight hours per week on the program, but this will vary somewhat throughout the semester. The program consists of six courses: three per year.

 

Upon completion of all 30 credits, you’ll graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Send an email to mste-coordinator@douglascollege.ca