Top 10 Math Teacher Certifications

Certifications for a math teacher are important for many reasons. First, certifications provide proof of the teacher’s knowledge and expertise in a particular area of mathematics. This is especially important in today’s job market where there is a great deal of competition for teaching positions. Certifications demonstrate that the math teacher has taken the time and effort to develop their skills and stay current with the latest trends in education.

In addition, certifications can improve the teacher’s employment prospects by giving them an edge over other applicants who may not have such credentials. School districts often look favorably upon those teachers who have taken the time and effort to become certified in a specific subject or grade level. This demonstrates their commitment to their profession and shows that they are dedicated to providing quality instruction to their students. Finally, certifications can also open up opportunities for advancement within school systems as teachers with specialized credentials are often considered more highly qualified than those without them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Math Teachers and explains how these certifications can help math teachers advance their careers.

What are Math Teacher Certifications?

Math teacher certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a teacher’s knowledge and skills in teaching mathematics. The certification provides assurance to school administrators, parents, and students that the individual has met the standards required to become a certified math educator. Certification may be obtained through various options such as coursework, assessment, or workplace experience.

Having math teacher certification can help teachers in several ways. It can provide them with greater job opportunities and better pay. It also ensures that they are up-to-date on the latest trends in mathematics education and have the necessary skills to teach effectively. Furthermore, having this credential allows teachers to stay informed of changes in state standards for teaching mathematics and remain competitive in their field.

In addition to providing job security, having math teacher certification can also benefit students by helping them develop stronger problem-solving skills and build an understanding of mathematical concepts. This can help them better prepare for college-level classes or pursue careers related to mathematics. Furthermore, certified math teachers are often more effective at addressing student questions and helping them understand difficult concepts than non-certified teachers because they have a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Pro Tip: To become a math teacher certified in your state, make sure to research the specific requirements and prerequisites as they can vary widely from state to state. Additionally, look into any alternative certification programs that may allow you to obtain certification in a shorter amount of time.

Related: What does a Math Teacher do?

Top 10 Math Teacher Certifications

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

1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes teachers who demonstrate advanced teaching knowledge, skills, and practices. It is considered to be the highest professional credential in the teaching profession.

In order to receive NBPTS certification, teachers must complete a rigorous assessment process that includes submitting evidence of their teaching practice and passing a performance-based assessment. The assessment process takes approximately one year to complete.

In order to get started with the NBPTS certification process, teachers must first become an eligible candidate by meeting certain requirements such as having at least three years of teaching experience and completing an online application. After becoming an eligible candidate, teachers must then register for the assessment process and submit evidence of their teaching practice. Once all of these steps have been completed, teachers can take the performance-based assessment which consists of four components: content knowledge; differentiating instruction; student growth and development; and professional practice.

The cost of becoming certified through NBPTS varies depending on the type of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000 - $4,000 USD for most types of certifications.

2. International Baccalaureate (IB) Teacher Certification

International Baccalaureate (IB) Teacher Certification is an internationally recognized certification that allows teachers to teach IB courses in their schools. It is a rigorous program that requires the completion of an extensive training program and assessment process.

The IB certification process typically takes two years to complete and includes both online and face-to-face components. The first year consists of completing the required coursework, which covers topics such as curriculum design, assessment, teaching strategies, and classroom management. The second year involves taking part in a supervised practicum experience in an IB school or other approved setting. During this time, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through assessments and activities.

To become certified as an IB teacher, applicants must hold a valid teaching license from their country or state of residence. They must also meet the minimum requirements for language proficiency in English (or Spanish if applicable). After meeting these requirements, candidates can begin the application process by submitting all relevant documents to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Once accepted into the program, they will be assigned a mentor who will guide them through the certification process.

The cost of obtaining IB Teacher Certification varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $1,500 - $3,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include books and materials, travel expenses for attending workshops or conferences, and examination fees.

3. Advanced Placement (AP) Teacher Certification

Advanced Placement (AP) Teacher Certification is a program offered by the College Board to certify teachers to teach AP courses. This certification is designed to ensure that teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach AP courses effectively.

To become an AP teacher, you must first meet certain criteria set by the College Board. This includes having at least three years of teaching experience in the subject you wish to teach, a bachelor's degree or higher in the subject area, and satisfactory scores on the appropriate AP exams. Once these criteria have been met, you can apply for certification through the College Board website.

The process of becoming an AP teacher typically takes around four months from start to finish. During this time, you will need to complete an online application form and submit any required documents such as transcripts or test scores. You will also be required to take part in an interview with a representative from the College Board who will assess your qualifications and determine whether you are suitable for certification.

The cost of getting certified as an AP teacher varies depending on which course(s) you wish to teach. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 per course plus any additional fees associated with submitting documents or taking interviews. However, some schools may offer discounts or financial assistance for those looking to become certified as an AP teacher.

Overall, Advanced Placement Teacher Certification is a great way for experienced teachers to demonstrate their expertise in teaching AP courses and gain recognition from the College Board for their hard work and dedication.

4. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certification

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Certification is a voluntary certification program for teachers who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in mathematics teaching. The NCTM Certification is designed to recognize the expertise of highly qualified mathematics teachers and to provide them with professional recognition.

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate mastery of the content and pedagogy of mathematics teaching, as well as knowledge of current research on best practices in mathematics instruction. This includes completing a series of exams that test their knowledge in various subject areas related to mathematics teaching.

The process typically takes about two years and involves passing three exams: the Professional Knowledge Exam, the Pedagogy Exam, and the Content Specialty Exam. The cost for all three exams is around $500. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or workshops to prepare for the exams.

Once certified, teachers will receive a certificate from NCTM acknowledging their achievement and will be eligible for professional development opportunities through NCTM's network of partners.

5. National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) Certification

National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) Certification is a professional development program that provides teachers with the training and resources they need to effectively teach math and science. The program focuses on helping teachers become more knowledgeable and confident in teaching these subjects. It is designed to help teachers improve student performance in math and science, as well as increase teacher retention rates.

The NMSI Certification Program consists of four levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Master Teacher. Each level requires different amounts of time to complete, ranging from 6-18 months for Level 1 to 18-36 months for Master Teacher.

To get certified at any level, teachers must first complete an online application that includes a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation from colleagues or administrators, and a statement of purpose describing why they want to become certified. Once the application is submitted and accepted, the next step is to pass an assessment exam. Depending on the level sought after, this can include either a written or oral exam covering topics such as classroom management strategies, curriculum design principles, educational technology tools, assessment techniques, and more.

Once the exam has been passed successfully, teachers will be awarded their NMSI Certification at their chosen level.

The cost of getting NMSI Certified varies depending on the level sought after but generally ranges from $100 - $500 per certification level.

6. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Certification

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes language proficiency in any language. It is the most widely recognized and respected language certification in the United States. The ACTFL Certification is based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, which are used to assess language proficiency in all languages.

To receive an ACTFL Certification, you must take a standardized assessment administered by an approved testing center. Depending on your level of proficiency, this assessment can range from one hour to several hours in length. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and performance tasks designed to measure your ability to use the target language for real-life communication.

Once you have passed the assessment, you will receive an official score report indicating your level of proficiency according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. This score report will also be used to determine your eligibility for certification at a certain level.

The cost of taking an ACTFL Certification exam varies depending on the type of exam and testing center you choose. Generally speaking, it costs between $150 and $400 per exam, plus any applicable taxes or fees.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must complete continuing education activities every five years in order to renew it. These activities include attending conferences or workshops related to foreign language teaching or learning, participating in webinars or online courses related to foreign languages, or completing other types of professional development activities approved by ACTFL.

7. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certification

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is a non-profit organization that provides accreditation to schools, colleges, and departments of education. NCATE accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an indicator of quality in teacher preparation programs.

NCATE certification involves a rigorous review process that typically takes two years to complete. Schools must demonstrate that their teacher preparation programs meet the high standards set forth by NCATE in order to receive accreditation. This includes submitting evidence of program quality, student achievement, and faculty qualifications.

To get NCATE certification, schools must submit an application packet to NCATE and pay an application fee. The fee varies depending on the size and type of school applying for certification but typically ranges from $2,000-$5,000. Once the application is submitted, NCATE will review it and assign a team of reviewers who will visit the school’s campus to evaluate its teacher preparation program in person.

After the review process is complete, NCATE will make a decision about whether or not to grant accreditation to the school’s teacher preparation program. If approved, schools can use their NCATE certification as evidence that their program meets national standards for quality in teacher preparation and can help attract more students and faculty members to their institution.

8. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification is a professional certification program for school administrators. It provides recognition to school administrators who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to their profession and meet rigorous standards of excellence in educational leadership.

To obtain AASA certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years of successful experience as a school administrator and have completed at least 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also submit an application form, provide three letters of recommendation, and pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge and skills in educational leadership.

The process for obtaining AASA certification typically takes about six months from the time the application is submitted until the certificate is issued. There is no cost associated with applying for AASA certification; however, there may be fees associated with taking the online assessment.

9. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Certification

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Certification is a professional development program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and commitment of educators who are dedicated to improving student learning. The certification is based on the ASCD Professional Learning Model, which emphasizes the importance of continuous professional learning and development.

The ASCD Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Educator, Advanced Certified Educator, and Master Certified Educator. Each level requires the completion of a set number of professional learning activities that demonstrate an educator’s mastery in their field.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all requirements for each level of certification. Requirements include completing courses, attending conferences or workshops, participating in online or face-to-face study groups, writing papers or articles related to educational topics, and/or completing research projects.

To get ASCD Certification, educators must first apply for certification by submitting an application form with required documents such as transcripts and proof of professional experience. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete all required activities within a certain time frame in order to be eligible for certification at each level.

The cost of the ASCD Certification Program varies depending on the level chosen and the number of activities completed. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 per year for each level of certification.

10. National Middle School Association (NMSA) Certification

The National Middle School Association (NMSA) Certification is a professional development program designed to help middle school educators become more effective and successful in their classrooms. The certification program is based on the NMSA's Standards for Professional Development and provides teachers with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in teaching middle school students.

The certification process takes approximately one year to complete. It consists of four components: completing a self-assessment, attending an NMSA conference or workshop, participating in an online course, and taking the NMSA Certification Exam. The self-assessment helps teachers identify areas of strength and weakness in their practice. The conference or workshop provides teachers with an opportunity to learn from experts in the field of middle school education. The online course allows teachers to review material related to the NMSA Standards for Professional Development. Finally, the exam tests a teacher’s knowledge of the standards as well as his/her ability to apply them in practice.

In order to get certified, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of attendance at conferences or workshops. Once all documents have been submitted, applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the program.

The cost of the NMSA Certification Program varies depending on whether you attend a conference or workshop or take an online course. Attending a conference or workshop typically costs around $300-$400 plus travel expenses, while taking an online course may cost up to $200 depending on which provider you choose. In addition, there is a nonrefundable fee of $75 for taking the certification exam.

Do You Really Need a Math Teacher Certificate?

The answer to this question is entirely dependent on the individual and their goals. There are many people who choose to pursue a math teacher certificate for a variety of reasons, such as increasing their job prospects or earning a higher salary. However, there are also many individuals who do not need a math teacher certificate in order to teach math in the classroom.

For those who are interested in teaching math but do not necessarily need a certification, there are several ways to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful instruction. For example, some teachers may find they can learn enough math content through self-study or online courses to effectively teach students in the classroom. Additionally, many school districts offer alternative pathways into teaching, such as Teach for America or alternative route programs that do not require certification or specific coursework in mathematics.

Ultimately, individuals should consider their own personal goals and interests when deciding whether or not to pursue a math teacher certificate. While it is true that having a certification can provide certain benefits and opportunities related to teaching mathematics, it is not necessary for everyone looking to become an educator.

Related: Math Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About Math Teacher Certifications

Q1. How do I become certified to teach math?

A1. To become certified to teach math, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field, complete teacher preparation courses, and pass the appropriate exams for your state. Depending on your state, you may also need to complete an approved teacher preparation program.

Q2. What type of certification do I need to teach math?

A2. The type of certification you need depends on the grade level and subject area you plan to teach. Generally speaking, most states require teachers who are teaching elementary school math to have a general teaching certificate with a specialization in mathematics. For secondary school math teachers, most states require a specialized certificate or endorsement in mathematics or secondary education with a concentration in mathematics.

Q3. Are there any online programs available for math teacher certification?

A3. Yes, there are several online programs that offer certification for teachers of mathematics at the elementary and secondary levels. These programs typically involve completing coursework in educational theory and instructional methods as well as taking exams to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a math teacher?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a math teacher varies by state and individual circumstances such as level of education and experience already attained prior to pursuing certification, but generally speaking it can take anywhere from one year up to three years depending on these factors.

Q5. Are there any special requirements for certifying teachers of advanced mathematics courses?

A5: Yes, many states require additional qualifications or endorsements for teaching advanced courses such as calculus or statistics beyond what is required for general mathematics classes at the secondary level. For example, some states may require completion of an additional coursework program focused on advanced mathematical topics or passing an additional exam related specifically to those topics before being eligible for certification in those areas.