Become an inspiring educator
At JBU, we know that your desire to help others learn and grow comes from God. In the mathematics education major, you will revisit foundational mathematical concepts and learn to successfully teach at a secondary education level. With on-campus model classrooms and exposure to real classrooms starting in your very first semester, you will graduate well-prepared to teach in a public or private school classroom.
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Discover how JBU will equip you for your teaching career
What to expect as a Mathematics Education student at JBU
Experience Clinical-Style Education
Students spend a lot of time observing and teaching alongside professionals so that students are confident in classroom management and lesson planning.
Study Strong Curriculum
JBU’s education program combines the rigor of JBU's education department with the breadth of the mathematics curriculum. JBU develops great teachers who are experts in their field of study.
Learn from Experience
JBU students teach almost double the amount of time of other student-teaching programs. Mentor teachers know that JBU students’ education has prepared them to handle their classroom.
Enjoy Licensure Transfer
JBU’s program is accredited in such a way that allows students to transfer their teaching license easily across states.
Learn through Collaboration
Because of the small class sizes, JBU’s math professors are uniquely accessible to students, often attending evening study sessions and regularly tutoring students.
Teach Abroad
Education students have the opportunity to teach English for college credit during summer study abroad trips in Uganda or Lithuania.
What our alumni have to say about JBU's Mathematics Education program
Heather Morsman ’10
“JBU gave me a very thorough math education. I was hired for my position before I even graduated. I was prepared to enter the teaching field because of my education at JBU and the classroom observation and teaching opportunities I had in the local schools.”
What could you do with a Mathematics Education degree?
Teach in Public or Private Schools
JBU's mathematics education program qualifies students to teach in private and public schools across the U.S.
Teach in Early Childhood Centers
Childcare workers who understand childhood development and education fundamentals are in great demand in early childhood education facilities and daycares.
Education Administrator
These professionals oversee the daily aspect of childcare centers, preschools, or other schools. This position typically requires an advanced degree.
Teach Abroad
Many international and missionary-based schools are looking for qualified teachers to serve around the world.
Social Work
Elementary schools and other educational institutions look for social workers who have a background in education.
Graduate School
Many graduates choose to pursue a degree in higher education to teach collegiate coursework in education.
Missions Work
Many missionary families are looking for qualified educational professionals to help them with homeschooling.
Meet the Mathematics Education professors
Gregory Varner
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Varner grew up in Southern Missouri and, after a time working in youth ministry, obtained his doctorate. When not teaching in the mathematics program, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Brian Herndon
Associate Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Brian Herndon has been in education for over 20 years. He has served as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade. He has also served as an elementary principal, elementary assistant principal, and the director of an early childhood special education preschool, where he served as a Local Education Authority (LEA) for hundreds of special education IEP meetings. As a classroom teacher, he developed a special interest in the teaching of reading and language arts and has studied extensively in these areas. Dr. Herndon’s experience in education is complimented by the fact that he is the father of four children, one of whom has Down syndrome. So, education is not just a professional calling for him, it is a personal calling as well.
Melissa Michael
Associate Professor of Math Education, Director of Professional Development School
Mrs. Melissa Michael has a passion for making mathematics understandable and enjoyable. Outside of the classroom, she loves to serve the community and participate in short-term missions.
Frank Blume
Department Chair, Mathematics
Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Frank Blume has been teaching Mathematics at JBU since 1995. Dr. Blume teaches Probability and Statistics, Faith and Science, and all classes for math majors.
Being at a Christian University has had a great impact on Dr. Blume's research and teaching focus while at JBU. The integration of faith and science has always been a major component of Dr. Blume's personal spiritual journey, and he enjoys exploring it further in the classroom.
Currently, Dr. Blume is writing a book on the integration of faith and science. The provisional title of the book is Science and Spirit-Dialogues on Integration.
479-524-4112
Jamie Collins
Assistant Professor, Teacher Education
Curtis Cunningham
Chair, Teacher Education and Graduate Education
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Curtis Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood from Southwest Baptist University, a Masters in Education with emphasis in Gifted Education from Drury University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. At JBU, he is responsible for teaching classes related to classroom management, curriculum design, differentiated instruction and human development for students in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Prior to coming to JBU, Dr. Cunningham worked for fourteen years in private and public schools. He has experience teaching Kindergarten, third and fourth grade in the regular classroom and teaching second and fifth grades in a program for gifted and talented students. He supported early-career teachers for six years as an instructional specialist before coming to JBU. He is excited to bring his expertise in curriculum design and differentiated instruction to JBU as we prepare the next generation of educators.
Kimberly Murie
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Kimberly Murie joined the Department of Teacher Education at John Brown in 2015. Dr. Murie earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas. After teaching science in two large public high schools for over ten years and serving as a department chair for eight years, God opened the door for Dr. Murie to resume the role of student herself. She returned to school to fulfill a lifelong dream of being an educator of teachers. Dr. Murie graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2015, earning a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education.
Working in a public school setting for many years has given Dr. Murie a passion into the importance of having Christian educators engaged in public education. It is a great honor and privilege to be able to instruct and encourage future educators on how they can be the hands and feet of Christ to a student, a classroom, and a community.
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