Top 11 Math Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for a math instructor in the job market because they show potential employers that the individual has met certain standards of knowledge and proficiency in the subject area. Having certifications can also demonstrate to employers that the instructor is dedicated to their field and is willing to take extra steps to remain current with the latest trends in mathematics education. Additionally, certifications can provide evidence that the instructor is committed to their continued professional development, which can be beneficial when competing for open positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Math Instructors and explain how they can help advance a math instructor's career.

What are Math Instructor Certifications?

Math instructor certification is a program that provides teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach math in an effective manner. It involves completing specific courses, tests, and workshops which focus on topics such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and classroom management. This certification is designed to give educators the tools they need to help students reach their fullest potential in mathematics.

Math instructor certification can help teachers gain confidence in their ability to teach math effectively. It can also provide them with new ideas and strategies for teaching different concepts. Additionally, this certification process can help teachers stay up-to-date on current trends in mathematics education and be better prepared to meet the needs of their students. Finally, it may serve as a way for teachers to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to providing quality instruction in mathematics.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the math instructor certification requirements for your state or country before beginning the process. Requirements can vary widely and may include taking an exam, having a certain level of education, and/or completing a certain amount of teaching experience.

Related: What does a Math Instructor do?

Top 11 Math Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Math Instructors today.

1. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certified Instructor

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certified Instructor is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward teachers who have demonstrated excellence in mathematics teaching. The certification is based on the NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that all successful mathematics teachers should possess.

The certification process consists of three parts: an online application, a written examination, and a performance assessment. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their educational background, experience in mathematics teaching, and other relevant qualifications. After submitting the application, applicants must pass the written exam which covers topics such as problem solving strategies, instructional methods and assessment techniques. Finally, applicants must successfully complete a performance assessment which includes classroom observation by an NCTM-approved assessor.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the entire certification process from start to finish. The cost of the program varies depending on the state or region where it is offered; however, most programs cost between $500-$1000 USD.

2. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Math Teacher

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Math Teacher is a certification program that recognizes the highest level of teaching excellence in mathematics. This certification is designed to recognize teachers who have demonstrated a deep understanding of their subject matter, as well as their ability to effectively teach it.

In order to become an NBPTS Certified Math Teacher, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least three years of successful teaching experience in mathematics and holding a valid teaching license. Applicants must also complete a series of assessments and coursework related to mathematics and pedagogy. The entire process can take up to two years from start to finish.

To begin the process, applicants should visit the NBPTS website and review the eligibility requirements and application instructions. Once they have determined that they meet all of the criteria, they can register for the assessment and submit their application materials. After completing the assessment, applicants will receive feedback on their performance and will be notified if they are eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming an NBPTS Certified Math Teacher varies depending on the state in which you live, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $3,000 USD. This fee covers all aspects of the certification process including registration fees, assessment costs, coursework fees, and any additional fees associated with becoming certified.

3. American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Certified Instructor

The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Certified Instructor is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the teaching of mathematics at two-year colleges. The certification is awarded to instructors who have demonstrated a commitment to teaching excellence, including exemplary classroom instruction, professional development activities, and service to the profession.

To become an AMATYC Certified Instructor, an individual must complete a rigorous application process that includes providing evidence of their teaching experience and qualifications. This evidence must include documentation of at least three years of successful mathematics instruction at the two-year college level, as well as evidence of professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, or other activities related to mathematics education. In addition, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from colleagues attesting to their teaching abilities.

The application process typically takes several months to complete and requires an application fee ranging from $50-$100 USD depending on the type of membership held by the applicant. Once the application is approved by AMATYC's Certification Committee, the applicant will receive their certificate and be designated as an AMATYC Certified Instructor.

4. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certified Math Teacher

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is an organization that sets standards and accredits teacher education programs in the United States. NCATE Certified Math Teacher is a certification program offered by NCATE to recognize teachers who have met certain standards in math teaching.

To become an NCATE Certified Math Teacher, applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, complete an approved mathematics education program, and pass the Praxis II Mathematics Content Knowledge Exam. The exam covers topics such as algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, calculus, and problem solving.

The process of becoming an NCATE Certified Math Teacher typically takes about one year. During this time, applicants must complete their coursework, take the Praxis II Mathematics Content Knowledge Exam, and submit their application materials to NCATE for review.

The cost of becoming an NCATE Certified Math Teacher varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Costs may include tuition fees for completing the mathematics education program, registration fees for taking the Praxis II Mathematics Content Knowledge Exam, and processing fees for submitting the application materials to NCATE.

5. International Baccalaureate (IB) Certified Math Teacher

International Baccalaureate (IB) Certified Math Teacher is a designation that recognizes teachers who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Math Program. This program is designed to help teachers teach mathematics at an international level, and it focuses on problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills. IB Certified Math Teachers are expected to have a deep understanding of mathematics, as well as the ability to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Math Program typically takes two years to complete and consists of four parts: theory of knowledge, mathematics, language A1 and language A2. Theory of Knowledge covers topics such as epistemology, ethics and history; Mathematics covers topics such as algebra, calculus and geometry; Language A1 covers topics such as reading comprehension, written expression and grammar; Language A2 covers topics such as literature, composition and linguistics.

To become an IB Certified Math Teacher, you must first complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Math Program. You can do this through an accredited college or university or through an online course provider. Once you have completed the program, you must then pass the IB Certification Exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming an IB Certified Math Teacher varies depending on where you take the program. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $500-$1000 for tuition fees alone. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam itself (such as registration fees).

6. Association of Mathematics Teachers Educators (AMTE) Certified Instructor

The Association of Mathematics Teachers Educators (AMTE) Certified Instructor program is an online certification program that provides educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become highly effective mathematics teachers. The certification is designed to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of mathematics content, teaching strategies, and assessment practices. It also helps them build their professional network and gain recognition for their work as a math educator.

It typically takes about six months to complete the program. During this time, participants will participate in online courses, webinars, and other activities that focus on topics such as mathematics content knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment practices, classroom management strategies, and more. Participants must also complete a final project in order to receive the certification.

To get AMTE Certified Instructor status you must first apply for the program through the AMTE website. Once accepted into the program you will be required to pay a fee which covers all course materials and access to the certification exam. The cost of the program varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$700 USD.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for the program you will be eligible to take the AMTE Certified Instructor exam which is administered online by Pearson VUE. Upon successful completion of this exam you will receive your official AMTE Certified Instructor Certificate.

7. National Science Foundation (NSF) Certified Math Teacher

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Certified Math Teacher program is a professional certification program for mathematics teachers. It is designed to recognize those teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching mathematics and have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field. The program is administered by the NSF, which is an independent federal agency that promotes science and engineering research, education, and public understanding.

To become an NSF Certified Math Teacher, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements. These include having a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in mathematics at the elementary or secondary school level; holding a valid state teaching certificate; completing at least 24 hours of college-level math coursework; passing a written exam on mathematics content knowledge; and demonstrating exemplary performance in their current teaching position.

It typically takes up to two years to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must submit all required documentation and pass both the written exam and performance review. Upon successful completion of these steps, they will receive their NSF Certified Math Teacher certificate.

The cost of obtaining an NSF Certified Math Teacher certificate varies depending on the individual’s situation. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to take the written exam, plus any additional fees associated with submitting documents or taking other courses related to becoming certified.

8. Advanced Placement Calculus (APC) Certified Instructor

Advanced Placement Calculus (APC) Certified Instructor is a certification offered by the College Board to recognize teachers who have demonstrated mastery of the subject matter and teaching skills necessary to teach Advanced Placement Calculus. To become an APC Certified Instructor, a teacher must complete a rigorous training program and pass an exam.

The training program consists of two parts: an online course and a face-to-face workshop. The online course covers topics such as calculus fundamentals, problem solving, and test preparation. It typically takes 10-12 hours to complete the online course. The face-to-face workshop is usually held over a weekend and focuses on topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment strategies.

To get certified, you must pass the APC exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering all aspects of calculus including limits, derivatives, integrals, series expansions, and more. The exam is administered twice a year in May and November.

The cost for the APC certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. If you take the online course only, it will cost $150 plus any additional fees for materials or supplies needed for the workshop. If you choose to attend the face-to-face workshop in addition to taking the online course, it will cost $400 plus any additional fees for materials or supplies needed for the workshop.

9. Advanced Placement Statistics (APS) Certified Instructor

Advanced Placement Statistics (APS) Certified Instructor is a professional certification program offered by the College Board. This certification is designed to recognize teachers who have demonstrated mastery of the Advanced Placement Statistics curriculum and have the skills necessary to teach it effectively.

The APS Certified Instructor program consists of two parts: a written exam and a performance assessment. The written exam covers topics such as probability, data analysis, and statistics. The performance assessment requires teachers to demonstrate their ability to teach the course material in an effective manner.

To become an APS Certified Instructor, you must first complete an online application and pay a fee of $100. Once your application has been accepted, you will be given access to the online exam and performance assessment. The exam can be taken at any time, but it must be completed within six months of submitting your application. The performance assessment must be completed within one year of submitting your application.

Once you have passed both components of the certification process, you will receive your official APS Certified Instructor certificate from the College Board. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed for an additional five years upon completion of continuing education requirements.

The cost for becoming an APS Certified Instructor varies depending on where you take the exams and assessments; however, most programs cost between $300-$500 total.

10. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Math Teacher

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Math Teacher is a certification program offered by ISTE to recognize educators who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to use technology to improve student learning in mathematics.

The program consists of two components: an online assessment and a portfolio review. The online assessment tests a teacher’s knowledge of mathematics, technology, and pedagogy. The portfolio review requires teachers to demonstrate their ability to integrate technology into their math instruction.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get started, teachers must first complete the online application form on the ISTE website and pay a fee of $150 USD. After submitting the application, teachers will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online assessment. Once they have completed the assessment, they will need to submit their portfolio for review by ISTE-certified assessors.

Once both components are successfully completed, teachers will receive an official ISTE Certified Math Teacher certificate and badge that can be shared with employers or displayed on their professional profiles or websites.

11. National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Certified Math Teacher

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Certified Math Teacher program is a professional development program designed to help math teachers become more effective educators. The program focuses on improving instructional practice and creating an environment that encourages student learning.

To become a NIET Certified Math Teacher, participants must complete the five-day intensive training workshop. During this workshop, participants will learn about the NIET Model of Instructional Practice, which includes elements such as classroom management, lesson planning and assessment, and using data to inform instruction. Participants also engage in activities designed to build their knowledge of mathematics content and pedagogy.

In order to obtain certification, participants must demonstrate mastery of the NIET Model of Instructional Practice through a series of assessments administered throughout the workshop. Upon successful completion of the assessments, participants will receive a certificate from NIET indicating they are now certified as a NIET Certified Math Teacher.

The cost for the five-day workshop varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Math Instructor Certificate?

Yes, I believe that a math instructor certificate is necessary to ensure the quality of teaching in the classroom. A math instructor certificate demonstrates that the individual has completed a rigorous program of study, and has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach mathematics. This certification also shows that the individual has met certain standards, and is qualified to teach mathematics.

The importance of having certified math instructors is evident in the fact that math is an important subject for students in all grade levels. It requires mastery of many different concepts and skills, which can be difficult for some students to grasp. Having a teacher who is certified ensures that they have the tools needed to effectively communicate those concepts and skills to their students. Additionally, it gives parents peace of mind knowing that their children are being taught by someone who has proven competency in teaching mathematics.

Furthermore, having certified teachers helps ensure that students are receiving a quality education. Certified instructors have demonstrated an understanding of mathematics curriculum and how best to present it so that students can learn effectively. They are able to provide students with guidance on how to approach challenging problems and help them develop problem-solving skills. This allows them to stay engaged with their work while learning valuable lessons about how mathematics works in real life situations.

Finally, certified instructors often possess specialized knowledge or experience in certain areas of mathematics, such as calculus or statistics, which can be beneficial for those students who need assistance in these topics or who want additional instruction beyond what is offered in school classrooms.

In conclusion, having a math instructor certificate is essential for ensuring quality teaching and providing students with a high level of education in this subject area.

Related: Math Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Math Instructor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a math instructor?

Answer: In order to become a math instructor, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field, as well as teaching certification. You may also need to pass an exam or demonstrate prior teaching experience.

2. Are there any special certifications required for math instructors?

Answer: Depending on the level of instruction and the type of institution you are teaching at, additional certifications may be required. For example, if you are teaching at the elementary school level, you may need a state-issued license or endorsement in mathematics.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a math instructor?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a math instructor will vary depending on your educational background and the requirements of the certification program you are pursuing. However, most programs can be completed within one year or less.

4. What is the cost of becoming certified as a math instructor?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a math instructor will depend on the type and length of program that you pursue and any fees associated with taking exams or obtaining endorsements. Generally, certification programs range from $500-$4,000 USD for tuition and fees.

5. Where can I find information about available math instructor certifications?

Answer: Information about available certifications can be found online through websites such as TeachCertified and CertificationMap, which provide comprehensive listings of certification programs offered by universities and other organizations across the United States.