News and Events: Press Release

June 23, 2009

  • By D. Veasey
  • Director of Media Relations
  • Regis University
  • University Relations
  • 303.458.3537
  • 303.204.5986 cell
  • dveasey@regis.edu

Arapahoe Community College and Regis University CPS have formed a partnership to offer a bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure in secondary mathematics education

LITTLETON – Arapahoe Community College (ACC) and Regis University’s College for Professional Studies (CPS) have formed a partnership to offer a bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure in secondary mathematics education. Students in the new program can take classes for three years at ACC to earn an Associate of Science Degree with an additional plan of study in secondary math education. Then they can transfer to Regis University and complete the final 51 hours to earn a bachelor’s degree and licensure to teach mathematics in secondary schools.

Colorado has identified a shortage of math teachers, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The need for math teachers is second only to the need for special education teachers. A study just released by the Carnegie Foundation reports that math education must be improved dramatically throughout the nation if the United States hopes to compete in the 21st Century.

Kay Uchiyama, Ph.D., ACC Education Department coordinator, and Karen Cooley, chair of Undergraduate Licensure at Regis University, will coordinate the program.

“I’m a reformed mathphobic and have discovered that everyone can learn math. Today, there is a huge need for all of us in the United States to become quantitatively literate and we need good math teachers for that to happen. Because of the need for math teachers statewide and nationwide, students completing the secondary mathematics education pathway should have no trouble finding a job, Uchiyama said.

The new program will officially begin in fall 2009. For more information, call ACC Advising at 303.797.5664 or go to www.arapahoe.edu. The Main Campus of Arapahoe Community College is located on the east side of Santa Fe at College Drive just south of historic downtown Littleton.

Regis University has created a program specifically for community college students who would like to build upon the success of their Associate's degree. To learn more visit TransferToRegis.org.