Elementary Mathematics Specialist Program at UIC

Three teachers engaged in a workshop

Interested in a Fall 2025 Cohort? Contact us and let us know.

We are planning for a new Cohort beginning in Fall 2025! Join us!

If you would like to be added to the update list or if you have questions, please contact Kathleen Pitvorec at:

kapitvor@uic.edu

  • What is the program?

    The EMS Program is a series of 5 semester-long courses. These courses prepare teachers for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement that can be added to your Professional Educator’s License (PEL).

    Cohorts of teachers engage in this sequence of courses designed to develop mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge for teachers in grades 1­–6, and to expand their tools and skills to become math teacher leaders in their schools.

    These courses are open to teachers with a PEL and at least one complete year of teaching experience. Please contact Kathleen Pitvorec at kapitvor@uic.edu to see if you qualify.

  • How are teachers empowered?

    Math Specialists advocate for high-quality mathematics instruction throughout the school community. Not only are they better prepared with resources and insights into teaching and learning that support high-quality mathematics instruction for students, but they are also better prepared to support their colleagues in improving mathematics instruction.