Illinois Elementary Math Specialist Project
Introduction
The Elementary Mathematics Specialist Program is a series of five courses that prepare teachers for the new Illinois State Board of Education Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement, which can be added to a 1-6 Professional Educators License (PEL). The program focuses on increasing mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge for teachers in grades 1–6, and developing their tools and skills to become teacher leaders in their schools.
These courses are open to teachers with a PEL and at least one complete year of teaching experience. In addition, teachers require instructor approval to enroll. Please contact Kathleen Pitvorec by email at kapitvor@uic.edu to see if you qualify.
Courses
| Date | Course Title | College | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 - August 7, 2026 | LRSC 594 – Elementary Math Specialist Geometry and Measurement | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |
| August 24 - October 5, 2026 | LRSC 594 - Elementary Math Specialist Number and Operations with Whole Numbers | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |
| August 24 - December 4, 2026 | LRSC 594 – Elementary Math Specialist Leadership in Mathematics Education | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |
| October 12 - December 4, 2026 | LRSC 594 – Rational numbers and proportional reasoning | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |
| January 11 - April 30, 2027 | LRSC 594 – Developing Algebraic Reasoning | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |
| January 11 - April 30, 2027 | LRSC 594 – Rational numbers and proportional reasoning | Learning Sciences Research Institute | Hybrid |