To become a certified mathematics teacher in Connecticut, you must complete the following steps:
The Connecticut State Board of Education has a well-developed and rigorous PK-12 mathematics curriculum, which is implemented at the district level. The Board of Education’s 2009 Position Statement on Mathematics Education calls for every Connecticut student to receive a high-quality, comprehensive education in mathematics. This vision, which is aligned with national standards, includes an established mathematics curriculum framework, formative and summative assessments, instructional strategies, sample lesson plans, and standards.
Effective July 7, 2010, the Connecticut State Board of Education adopted the Common Core Standards in English language arts and mathematics. K-12 math content standards in Connecticut include the following:
- Algebra and Functions
- Discrete Mathematics
- Estimation and Approximation
- Measurement
- Number sense
- Operations
- Patterns
- Probability and Statistics
- Ratios, Proportions, and Percent
- Spatial Relationships and Geometry
Step 1. Complete a Connecticut Approved Pathway to Certification
You must complete an approved pathway to certification to become a mathematics teacher in Connecticut. You may choose either a traditional (state-approved) educator preparation program or an alternative route to certification program, depending on your experience and education:
State-Approved Educator Preparation Program
State-approved educator preparation programs, which may consist of either undergraduate or graduate degree programs, are generally designed for applicants who have no prior experience or education in mathematics. There are currently 2 programs in Connecticut that offer a mathematics endorsement for middle school, grades 4-8, and 15 programs that offer a mathematics endorsement for grades 7-12.
To qualify for a state-approved educator program, you must maintain a grade point average of B- in all undergraduate courses and successfully pass the PRAXIS I, Pre-Professionals Skill Test (or obtain a waiver from the Connecticut State Department of Education based on your SAT, ACT, GRE or PAA scores).
You must receive the following minimum scores on this exam:
- Reading: 172
- Writing: 171
- Mathematics: 171
State-approved educator preparation programs in mathematics include at least 30 semester hours of credit in mathematics, as well as a course in each of the following: calculus, geometry, statistics, and linear or abstract algebra.
Alternative Route to Certification Program
To qualify for a Connecticut Alternate Route to Certification Program, you must:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in (or related to) mathematics
- Meet specific course requirements (at least 30 semester hours of credit in mathematics, as well as a course in each of the following: calculus, geometry, statistics, and linear or abstract algebra, and a class focused on statistics, tests and measurements)
- A GPA of at least 3.0 in an undergraduate program or possess at least 24 semester hours of graduate coursework
- Passing scores on all sections of the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Examination in reading, writing and mathematics (or a waiver from the Connecticut State Department of Education based on SAT, ACT, GRE or PAA scores)
Applicants who have been accepted into an ARC program are granted a 90-day, temporary permit to teach mathematics in Connecticut, during which time they must complete a supervised experience. Upon completion of this program and completion of the PRAXIS II Examination in Mathematics, you may apply for initial certification as a mathematics teacher in Connecticut.
You may read more about the ARC program here.
Step 2. Pass the PRAXIS II Examination
Regardless of whether you take the traditional or alternative route to certification in Connecticut, you must take and pass the PRAXIS II Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam to receive an endorsement in secondary mathematics (7-12).
The PRAXIS II Mathematics: Content Knowledge examination includes the following topics:
- Number and operations
- Algebra
- Functions
- Geometry and measurement
- Statistics and probability
You can visit the Praxis Series website to register for the PRAXIS II examination and view upcoming test dates and testing centers.
Step 3. Apply for an Initial Educator Certificate
You can apply for an Initial Educator Certificate, which is a three-year certificate, by registering with the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS). The CECS allows you to apply for initial certification and pay the $50 application fee.
You may also be required to submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary coursework completed
- A statement of Preparing Higher Education Institution
- Statement of Professional Experience (if any)
You may contact the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification at 1-860-713-6969 or at teacher.cert@ct.gov if you have any questions regarding the certification or application for educator certification process.
Step 4. Apply for a Provisional and Professional Educator Certificate
Upon expiration of your initial Connecticut educator certificate, you are eligible for a provisional certificate, which is valid for a period of 8 years. During this time, you must complete the following to achieve the highest level of educator certification in Connecticut: the professional educator certificate:
- A minimum of 30 school months of educator experience
- A minimum of 30 semester hours beyond a bachelor’s degree (As of July 1, 2016, educators in Connecticut will be required to complete a master’s degree in mathematics to earn a professional educator certificate.)
Step 5. Stay Current on Mathematics Educational Topics and Issues
As a provisional and professional educator certificate holder, you are not required to complete continuing professional education to maintain your educator certification. It is up to your hiring school district to offer programs and ensure that all educators complete at least 18 professional development hours every year.
You may find that membership in a state or national mathematics association can help you stay current on all issues related to the profession:
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics (CCLM)
- Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut (ATOMIC)