How to Teach Math in Tennessee

Perspective teachers in Tennessee must follow certain guidelines.

Teaching math can be a rewarding job, especially if it is a subject you enjoy. This venture is well-supported in Tennessee, with groups such as the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association offering membership to those who want to improve mathematics teaching in the state's public and private schools. The United States has its own qualifications to teach math, with individual states adding their own expectations and certification requirements.

Instructions

1. Complete your education at a university with a degree program that includes supervised teaching experience. Universities offer these programs in different ways. For instance, at some schools you can obtain a degree in Math Education, while others offer degrees in math and you choose to have a minor or emphasis on education. You will want to get the best possible grades while in school so that your grade point average is desirable for perspective employers.

2. Take and pass the Praxis exam. This exam is another required step in obtaining a teaching license. It is a widely used measuring tool for perspective teachers around the country, much like the SAT is used for admittance to college.

3. Apply for a Tennessee teaching license. Find and complete the application online at state.tn.us. Make sure you choose the correct form, as there are different applications for residents who attended school in-state and those who went to an out-of-state college.

4. Await the results of your application. If your paperwork is in order and accepted, you will receive your teaching license.

5. Apply for math teacher positions in the state. Most will have you submit a resume, at which point you will be contacted by possible employers for an interview.

References

• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: How to become a math teacher
• Tennessee Government: Teacher licensing
• Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association: TMTA Mission