SESAME
Program Registration Fall 2026

Program Overview

The SESAME (Seminars for Endorsement of Science and Mathematics Educators) Program at the University of Chicago offers mathematics and science courses designed for teachers. All courses place a strong emphasis on content and the conceptual foundations of the subjects, along with strategies and pedagogical techniques for bringing this content to the classroom. Our courses follow the ISBE math and science learning standards. Our goal is to develop knowledgeable teachers who can deliver the subject matter to elementary and middle grade students in a highly effective way.

Since 1992, the SESAME Program in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Chicago has offered a range of courses leading to Illinois State Endorsements for the teaching of mathematics and science. This program is now partnering with UChicago STEM Education to continue offering courses to teachers in online, hybrid and in-person course formats.

Teachers who participate in the SESAME Program will…

• increase their capacity to deliver quality mathematics and science instruction to students.
• develop a deep understanding of the conceptual foundations of mathematics and science.
• generate activities that students can use to explore mathematical and scientific ideas.
• understand concepts in mathematics and science in a manner that will enable them to deliver any mathematics or science curriculum.

To date, approximately 1,200 teachers from more than 150 schools have enrolled in SESAME courses. A significant number of these teachers have received state endorsement in the teaching of mathematics and science.

Each completed course earns 3.33 semester hours of credit that can be used toward an Illinois teaching endorsement.

Please note: The SESAME Program is not a degree-seeking program, and this credit does not count towards a Master’s Degree at the University of Chicago.

Participants

SESAME courses are intended for teachers who are seeking subsequent endorsements in Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement or Middle Grades Mathematics or Middle Grades Science. Participating teachers should already hold an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).

2026 Fall Quarter Course Offerings

For new participants:

MATH 55010 Elementary Mathematics: Number and Operations, Part 1

Course format: Virtual/Online

This course will develop teachers' understanding of whole numbers and operations and related pedagogical content knowledge. The content of the course will involve understanding number and operations progressions with a focus on counting and cardinality, operations with whole numbers, exploration of number systems with an emphasis on the base ten system, introduction to basic number theory to explore relationships between numbers, and making connections within and across operations. Participants will engage in mathematical problem solving, investigate connections between research and their own practice, and engage with colleagues to build a community of math teachers and learners.

Instructors: TBD
Meeting Times: Tuesdays 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM CT
Meeting Dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17

Zoom links and login information will be provided prior to the course.

For returning participants (or former participants who are missing this coursework):

MATH 55070 Elementary Mathematics: Leadership

Course format: Virtual/Online

This course will focus on developing particular knowledge and skills to support school-based mathematics leadership in the elementary school context. The course will develop strategies and resources for 1) advocating for high-quality mathematics instruction; 2) enhancing collaboration around mathematics within and across grade levels; 3) supporting professional learning around high-quality mathematics instruction. Participants continue to investigate connections between research and their own practice, and engage with colleagues both in class and in their schools to build a community of math teachers and learners.

Instructors: TBD
Meeting Times: Wednesdays 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM CT
Meeting Dates: 9/2, 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 12/2, 3/17/27, 6/9/27

Zoom links and login information will be provided prior to the course.

Other Information

For information about the CPS Algebra Initiative project and Algebra III course, please visit the SESAME Program at UChicago Department of Mathematics.

Cost

$1,000.00 per course.