Message from the Chair
Welcome to the website of the Department of Mathematics and Science Education. We provide a full range of graduate degrees (i.e., M.S. and Ph.D.) as well as programs at the undergraduate level for individuals interested in a career in mathematics and science education.
Our current society is more reliant on knowledge of mathematics and science than ever before. And, every indication is that this trend will continue. Educating the public about the value and uses of mathematics and science in terms of personal and societal decisions is more important than ever. Your decision to be involved in the education of our children and adults represents a vital need both nationally and globally.
The Department of Mathematics and Science Education at IIT is unique in its disciplinary-based approach to mathematics and science education. ALL of our coursework is placed in the context of the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Your classmates will consist of individuals who are preparing to teach, or are already teaching mathematics or science. Consequently, the coursework you take within our department will be of utmost relevance to your current needs and situation.
All department faculty are former classroom teachers, and accomplished researchers, which ensures that course content is informed by both research and the wisdom of practice. Quite simply, our goal is to help you increase student learning as much as possible. If you are interested in doing research to advance knowledge of teaching and learning, our programs are carefully planned to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a member of the mathematics and science education research communities.
Our department provides a critical mass of teachers and researchers, while at the same time not being so large to make you feel lost in a sea of people. Our faculty pride themselves on having an open-door policy. You can always find someone to talk to and to answer your questions. In essence, we are a group of people with the unified goal of enhancing the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. This is true regardless of whether you are seeking to become a mathematics/science teacher, expand your ability to teach mathematics or science, or become a teacher educator and researcher.
Most importantly, we work hard and we play hard. We are a committed group of people who enjoy what we do and enjoy each other. Welcome to our Department website and please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Norman G. Lederman, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
