New Jersey Math Teacher Certification
In New Jersey, math teachers are certificated at the elementary level (grades five to eight) or can receive certification to teach math at all levels. Teachers are given a two-year provisional certificate during their first year or teaching and must successfully complete at least one year of teaching and an induction mentoring program to receive their professional certification.
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Coursework
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Potential teachers must have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Candidates for certification are also required to take at least 30 hours of mathematics courses, as part of their degree or separately, including 12 hours of courses at the junior, senior or graduate level. Completion of an approved teacher preparation program which includes supervised student-teaching is also required.
Exams
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Candidates are required to take the Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam that is part of the Praxis II series administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). A score of 137 or above is required to pass the exam. In 2010, the cost of the exam is approximately $80 plus a $50 registration fee and teachers must also submit a $20 test score service fee to the New Jersey Department of Education when applying for certification.
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Personal Health
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All candidates for certification are required to meet the personal health/physiology requirement. This requirement can be met by taking a 35 question true/false exam at a county office of education. Showing evidence of military training or taking a course in health or nutrition at a four-year college also fulfills the requirement.
Application for Certification
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The application for certification must be filled out online. Along with the application, candidates are required to submit a $115 certification fee (the price in 2010) in the form of a check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Education." An oath of allegiance form must also be completed, notarized, and returned to the New Jersey Department of Education in order to qualify for certification. Official college transcripts should also accompany the application.
Alternate Certification
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Those who wish to leave their current career and become a math teacher without following the traditional college route can apply to receive a provisional certificate. Once they receive the certificate, they must enroll in the provisional teaching program in the district in which they are employed. The provisional certificate is good for two years, during which time teachers at the elementary level must complete 45 hours of coursework in the area of teaching/instruction and 45 hours of coursework in teaching mathematics. Teachers who wish to receive subject area certification for all levels must complete 200 hours of instruction at a regional training center. Enrollment in a Master of Arts in Teaching program can be substituted for the course work requirements.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit math image by jaddingt from Fotolia.com
