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1ke
Guest
I’m not sure what state you live in. I can assure you that the state very much cared whether or not I knew math and the exam was very rigorous.
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1ke
Guest
I don’t think you are going to find college level mathematics to be as easy as you believe them to be. What is the highest level of mathematics you’ve taken to date?
Middle school overwhelmingly requires secondary credentials. So, you will need the same qualifications.
Elementary does not require a math specialization (although those do exist).
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CradleJourney
Guest
Have you checked this website? Seems to list the requirements for various states for teaching math. Here apparently your masters would qualify you as long as you did some extra steps, if I’m reading this correctly. Also, I know around here there is always an extremely high demand for substitute teachers. Would it be possible for you to teach as a substitute (earn $ plus contacts and experience) while taking whatever classes you needed?
mathteacheredu.org/indiana/
mathteacheredu.org/indiana/
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1ke
Guest
No, you aren’t reading it correctly. Or actually it isn’t clear on that site, but you can look it up on the IN website.
The degree has to be in the content area.
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1990Domer
Guest
What about working in a cyber school setting? You have so much more control over your class, the students tend to much better behaved, there are no class disruptions, some sassy kids but a really supportive staff and environment. Sadly, this is also state dependent.
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1ke
Guest
Virtual schools often prefer experienced teachers who then move into a virtual setting. Not always, but that is my experience. So, a person interested in that avenue may need to teach in a traditional classroom for a few years first. For example in TX, you have to have three years of experience teaching and be rated “highly qualified”
Also, virtual school teachers have the same credential requirements as any other teacher in the state as far a subject and certification.
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1990Domer
Guest
I think in PA you can take a special classes for teaching “distance learning.” I think my son’s science teacher is a new hire (I will check tomorrow), but you are correct that he did have amazing credentials. The remainder of the teachers left what I consider really good districts to move to cyber school. I am not sure, but the fact that these teachers do not belong to a union leads me to believe they are a lot less stressed. The teacher’s union in PA has a notorious reputation for wanting to strike (we lead the country in strikes–one thing I abhor about living here).
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1990Domer
Guest
I can back that up, as my FIL was an advanced math teacher and DH was considering that route as well. He got a Masters of Statistics and then a Ph.D. As 1ke was listing the courses, I remember DH coming home and telling me about them.
He did work full time as a chemist (undergrad major) then took two night classes. These were masters level classes, so I’m not sure what you need.
Just curious, did something special inspire you to choose math? I think it’s great.
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1990Domer
Guest
Are you a teacher now? I was wondering if online or summer courses could work. Also, cyber learning where you would not have to commute could work. If you like, I can ask my son’s science teacher about her background. She teaches middle school science.
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HouseArrest
Guest
I suppose I didn’t communicate that correctly.
No matter how much math Dark Light knows, it matters not if Dark Light hasn’t jumped through certification hoops. If Einstein didn’t take and pass the Praxis, he’s not qualified.
If Dark Light teaches himself math and is more capable than anyone in the country, it matters not, because he does not have the transcript he needs. He must take the college level math classes. He must go through that avenue to become certified.
Dark Light can’t take the list of classes the state says are needed, profess they were self taught, and go from there.
I believe the Praxis is national? I don’t think it varies by state.
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pensmama87
Guest
I think most states require it, but it doesn’t have to be required. It’s made by the same company that makes the SAT (and many of the other standardized tests).
(And DL is a lady.
)
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HouseArrest
Guest
Oh, thank you, and sorry DL!I think most states require it, but it doesn’t have to be required. It’s made by the same company that makes the SAT (and many of the other standardized tests).
(And DL is a lady.
Right about the Praxis, but if it is given, Maryland would not be giving a different test than Arizona.
The other option which just popped into my head was for Ms. DL to try to get a job in a school that adopts the classical education model. There are colleges that offer teaching training but do not offer state certification, (Hillsdale, Christendom) and kids from those schools get hired to teach right out of college at theses schools. I am guessing DL would be a good fit. A year or two could give a taste of what it is like to be a teacher.
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1ke
Guest
No, some states have their own exams.
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DarkLight
Guest
Yeah that was kind of the impression I was getting - that I’d need to have an official transcript with all the math classes, whether or not I could learn it on my own.
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Marysann
Guest
If you need more math credits than you currently have, would it be possible to take a few evening classes at a community college? If you all ready have a master’s degree, I can’t imagine that you would be expected to fulfill all of the requirements needed to earn another undergrad degree. When I wanted to change careers, I only needed to take courses in my new field. The credits I had earned from my original degree were accepted even though they were fifteen years old. Good luck, we need good math teachers.
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