Are you able to explain mathematics solutions so others understand? Do you enjoy mathematics and want to pass that enjoyment onto others? With the partnership between the Department of Mathematics and the Educator Preparation Program, your dream to become a secondary mathematics teacher can be a reality.
To become certified to teach, most students earn a bachelor’s of science degree in mathematics and complete a secondary major in Education.
To learn more about the courses that are required to become certified to teach mathematics in grades 5-12, please see this flowchart.
If you have questions and would like to speak with someone about becoming a high school mathematics teacher, please contact mathadvising@iastate.edu.
To become a secondary mathematics teacher, one must complete a series of steps, called Decision Points to make sure you are making adequate progress academically, completing experiences in the education field, and meeting the requirements of Iowa State University and the State of Iowa.
Decision Point 1: Admission to the Educator Preparation Program
Please note the requirements needed to be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program. You should be admitted at least one year prior to applying for student teaching.
Prior to Decision Point 2, you also need to complete practicum experiences. These field experiences are placements in educational settings that allow you to observe and participate in the teaching process and gain exposure to the secondary classroom.
Decision Point 2: Student Teaching
In these longer-term field experiences, students teach full time under the supervision of an experienced teacher and are expected to become independent in their planning, instruction, assessment, and management over the course of the experience.
Application for student teaching occurs two semesters before your student teaching semester.
Decision Point 3: Licensure Recommendation
A teaching license is granted by the State of Iowa and is required teach in Iowa. Once you have successfully completed all the requirements, Iowa State University can recommend to the State of Iowa that you be granted a teaching license for specific grades and specific content.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a mathematical field and you wish to teach math to grades 5-12, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Mathematics Education may be what you need. Click here for more information.