Mathematics Major for Teacher Preparation

A math graduate student talks with grade school students during SK Day

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 University Teacher Education Program, your dream to become a secondary mathematics teacher can be a reality.

To learn more about the courses that are required to become certified to teach mathematics in grades 5-12, please click on Course Requirements and view page 1.

To obtain a suggested schedule to follow to finish in 4 years, please click on Suggested Schedule and view page 2.

If you have questions and would like to speak with someone about becoming a high school mathematics teacher, please contact one of the individuals at the left.

Overall, to become certified to teach, most students earn a bachelor’s of science in mathematics and complete additional requirements as given by the University Teacher Education Program (UTEP). Additional information.

Decision Point 1: Admission to the University Teacher Education Program (UTEP)

Maintain a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA
Complete a minimum of 9 credits at Iowa State University

Complete the Praxis CORE examOn July 1, 2020, Iowa Legislation signed a new law removing the requirement of a developed pre-professional skills test for program admission. If you are looking for the Praxis Core exam scores and other Praxis Core information that was in place prior to the new law on July 1, 2020, please read this PDF document.

Complete C I 280L (.5 credit)
Maintain minimum grade requirements for pedagogy coursework (C) and math content coursework (C-)

Pass an Iowa criminal background check
Ensure E-portfolio contains a minimum of one graded artifact (that received a proficient rating)

For the application and additional information, please see https://education.iastate.edu/current-students/educator-preparation-program/admission/

Application for admission to the Educator Preparation Program is completed online. See https://education.iastate.edu/current-students/educator-preparation-program/admission/ Please allow up to 8 weeks for a response regarding your application.

Note: Students must be fully admitted into the Teacher Education program one year prior to applying to student teach.


Decision Point 2: Student Teaching

Application for student teaching occurs at the start of the semester prior to student teaching (I.e., apply in September for Spring student teaching and apply in January for Fall student teaching).

The process for applying for a student teaching placement includes two application forms: a confidential application (information such as GPA and background information) and a professional application (similar to a professional resume).

Please see https://education.iastate.edu/current-students/educator-preparation-program/student-teaching/ for the applications.


Decision Point 3: Licensure

When a student has completed student teaching, the following requirements must be met for licensure:

  • Praxis II Content – For the mathematics license, you need to take the content knowledge test: Mathematics: Content Knowledge, 5161 with a minimum score of 135.
    This exam is offered only by computer at a testing center. How to register.
  • PPAT – The PPAT assessment evaluates test takers on their abilities to impact student learning as it relates to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, demonstrating that they have the basic pedagogical content knowledge and application for the classroom to begin teaching as an entry-level teacher.  For fall 2020 student teachers, candidates will take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (Praxis PLT) in place of the PPAT.  A teacher candidate must earn a passing score on the Praxis PLT for the state of Iowa in order to be recommended for licensure. The state of Iowa reviews and updates the minimum passing score required each year and a new score for each academic year is set in July.
  • e-Portfolio – Student must have two graded artifacts uploaded to the e-Portfolio for each of the twelve standards.
  • Violent Incident Reduction Training (VIRT) – Students are required to complete VIRT training before licensure.

Those majoring in the mathematical sciences, physical sciences or engineering may also pursue licensure to teach mathematics. All the courses listed previously are required with the exceptions of Math 265/266/267 and Math 414. Only 6 credits of humanities are required. Additional information regarding general education course requirements is available here: http://www.las.iastate.edu/students/academics/general-education/