There are good job prospects for those who fulfill the certification requirements to teach math in Maryland because the state reported that, as of the 2016-2017 school year, there was shortage of qualified math teachers. This article explores the academic and testing requirements to become a math teacher in Maryland.
Maryland Math Teacher Requirements
| Average Salary for Teachers in Maryland (2019)* | $74,400 (Middle School); $77,050 (High School) |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Math Education |
| Testing Requirements | Basic Skills; Content and Pedagogy |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
To become a math teacher in Maryland, the first step is to decide whether you want to teach middle school students or high school students. Maryland issues teaching certificates in Middle School Mathematics (Grades 4-9) or in Secondary Mathematics (Grades 7-12). Once you have chosen the age group you want to work with, you need to earn a bachelor's degree from an approved program. There are many accredited bachelor's degree programs that meet the Maryland State Department of Education's expectations for preparing graduates to teach mathematics. All prospective mathematics teachers take core courses in mathematics, such as algebra and geometry. They also learn about teaching mathematics to their chosen age group. The degree programs include education courses that cover subjects such as educational psychology and STEM teaching. As part of the degree program, students also complete student teaching assignments that ensure they have practical instructing experience prior to graduation.
Step 2: Complete Certification Requirements
There are two sets of test requirements that must be met to qualify to teach in Maryland: the Basic Skills tests and Content and Pedagogy tests.
Basic Skills Requirements
All teachers are expected to pass the Basic Skills tests, also called the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. This exam includes three subtests. The mathematics test has a passing grade of 150. Applicants must score 162 or higher to pass the writing exam, and the minimum score required to pass the reading test is 156.
It is also possible to fulfill the Basic Skills requirements by earning a score of 24 or higher on the ACT, scoring 297 or higher on the GRE, or receiving a combined score of 1100 or more on the SAT.
Content and Pedagogy Requirements
Middle school math teachers must pass a content exam, while high school math teachers must pass a content test and a pedagogy exam.
Middle School Math
To become a middle school math teacher, it is necessary to earn a minimum score of 165 on the Middle School: Mathematics content test. This test has 55 selected-response and numeric-entry questions that can be finished in two hours. Calculators are provided on screen. Middle school teachers that earned their degree from an approved program do not need to take a pedagogy exam.
High School Math
Aspiring high school math teachers must pass a content exam and a pedagogy exam. The Mathematics: Content Knowledge test requires a score of 160 to pass and includes 60 questions that must be answered in 150 minutes. A grade of 157 or more is needed to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 test. This two-hour test has 70 selected-response questions and four constructed-response questions. This test assesses a beginning teacher's knowledge of topics like learning processes, instructional processes, and educational psychology.
Step 3: Apply For PEC or SPC I
Those who fulfill the certification requirements but are not employed as a teacher in Maryland will receive the Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC), while those who meet the certification criteria and are employed in a Maryland school already will receive the Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I). To receive a certificate, it is necessary to send the following items to the Maryland State Board of Education for review.
- Transcripts establishing graduation from an approved degree program
- A completed application form
- Proof of passing scores on the required Basic Skills and Content and Pedagogy tests
- A cover letter indicating the certification being sought and including personal and contact information for the applicant
Teacher Certification Resources
When you are studying for these tests use these resources to ensure you cover the required material:
- Praxis Middle School Mathematics: Practice & Study Guide
- Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge: Practice & Study Guide
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Combined Test: Study Guide & Test Prep
