Math Teacher Requirements - Requirements For Teaching Math in the US

From kindergarten up to college, there are always math subjects. With this, there is a constant demand for Math teachers nationwide. If you are planning to shift or go for a teaching career, the basic Math teacher requirements in US are; a bachelor's degree from an accredited university AND an alternative teacher certificate, OR a state-approved degree that includes a teacher-training program. For post-secondary teaching jobs, most colleges or universities require at least a master's degree in a Math related field to earn an instructor position for freshmen college math.

For aspiring preschool or kindergarten Math teachers, a degree in Early Childhood Education will suffice as a prerequisite for a teaching certificate. For elementary and secondary Math teachers, a degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Math, or Elementary Education majoring in Math are the most common math teacher requirements to get a teaching certificate. However, those who already have a bachelor degree, of any program, and want to shift career into Math teaching may be required to enroll in a state-approved teaching graduate degree before taking a certification exam. For example, in New York State, a graduate degree from an approved teacher-preparation program is initially needed, plus a passing mark in all assessment tests to get you certified. Some states also have GPA preferences, as for New York, a minimum of 2.5 GPA is required from the bachelor degree program. Most US states also require PRAXIS or pre-professional skills test before, during or after a teacher training program.

For those who will be in college and plan to pursue a Math teaching career, each state has an accredited teacher preparation program for each education level, elementary or secondary. For those who are already in college and want to bridge a teaching career, education courses are required plus practicum hours. One must satisfy semester hours on Math core subjects plus other pedagogical core competencies.

For Math teachers that plan to migrate from state to state, the alternative teacher certification pathway is often called interstate reciprocity. One must inquire at the state education office for subject equivalents between states and the specific math teacher requirements. Some teaching certificates or Math national teacher tests may be honored to replace the assessment or subject proficiency tests.

For foreign teachers who want to teach Math in US, math teacher requirements often require that you undergo degree equivalency verification. There are state agencies that handle this, checking if the foreign teacher's bachelor degree is comparable to a US bachelor degree. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores may also be required for aspiring teachers who come from countries where English is considered a second-language. In Arizona, a TOEFL score of at least 84/120 is required for certification applicants. Apart from that, the foreign teacher should also a valid working visa, J-1 or H1-B, a contract or recommendation from the hiring school and consent verification letter from state Board of Regents.