Comparison of the state requirements for a teaching certificate in mathematics in each of the fifty states

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The state requirements for a teaching certificate in mathematics in each of the fifty states was compared and analyzed. The requirements compared were the number of hours needed in general education, number of hours needed in professional education, and the nun1ber of hours needed in the field of mathematics to teach it full time or part time. The types of certificates that could be obtained to teach mathematics were compared. The material used in this study was obtained from the State Department of Education of each of the states.

Findings and Conclusions: In the field of mathematics, the number of hours required to teach mathematics full time range from 40 to 12. The average is 20 hours. The number of hours required to teach it part time range from 24 to 6. The average is 16 hours. The number of hours in professional education required range from 27 to 12. The average is about 19 hours. The types of certificates issued to mathematics teachers by the states may be classified under 3 categories.- (1) According to the term, or duration of validity such as life, Permanent, limited continuing, and provisional. (2) According to levels of preparation: the terms used here are usually regular, standard~ professional emergency, or substandard. (3) According to authorization of teaching position or assignment: the types here are usually blank.et or general (with no area, teaching fields, or subjects specified on certificate): endorsed (each authorized teaching area,-field, or subject is endorsed on certificate). A total of 20 states issue life or permanent certificates and 16 states issue blank.et or general high school certificates.