A few days ago
operaphantom2003

Can you help explain this to me?

I want to teach Math to secondary students but I cannot figure out the path to take, they can’t make it very clear cut. I live in Utah and every college tells me a different path I meed to take. Do I have to major in Math or Education? The school i would really like to attend is online and accredited by the NCATE. They offer initial licensure in their BA in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) and an MA in Teaching, Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)

I am getting confused because some school districts say you need to have a major in math while others require a BA in Education and secondary endorsements. How exactly does this work? I am also thinking of relocating from Utah, what would be the best route to take? How do endorsements work? Does that mean that I can have endorsements in Math and another Science if I have enough college credit in that area and pass the test?

Top 7 Answers
A few days ago
eastacademic

Favorite Answer

Every state is different. If you go to the state liscensing web site, they always have a list of schools with approved programs. Please check this before you start.

Both paths seem fine, its just two different ways of ending up with the same credential. Each teahcer must be highly qualified in their subject. The definition allows you to have a major in the subject (BA in math) or a major equivelent (enough units in math to be considered a major… thus the “secondary endorsements”)

pick the one you feel most comfortable with, BUT make sure you do you homework and check with the state credential board about your program. (there are some schools that states will not give a credential…)

good luck!

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A few days ago
elizabeth k
I switched from an English major while in college to an English Education major. The English major was concentration in specific classes like Oid English or Chaucer while the English Education had broader classes like American Lit to 1900 or Exploring Literature with Middle Schoolers.

Two completely differ tracks through two completely different colleges within the university.

An endorsement is when you have the right classes and take a test and you are allowed to teach a perticular subject

I taught for 5 years before becoming a Stay at Home Mom. I have to give you the same advice as the person who told you to look at double majoring.

1. See what classes you need as a Math major

2. See what classes you need as a Math educator

My husband is a sciencist and many of our friends are Math Majors. Though I loved teaching and will go back to it soon I found that it does have draw backs.

They say 1 in 5 teachers leave the profession in the first five years. My friends make considerable more. To give you an example my husband a few years ago wanted to be a teacher I didn’t think it was a good fit for him and we decided not to do it because it would have been a $30,000 pay cut now five years later it would be a $55,000 pay cut.

My friends who studied math went on to go into computers and business. One writes code while the other got her masters degree and calucates when people will default on loans. She now supports her husband who is going back for his Phd in Chemistry.

Double Majors give you more flexiblity but take longer. But I think in the long run if you want to make the big money they offer more when you leave teaching.

The difference between the districts is how desprate they are for Math teachers. If they should always hire a teacher before just a math major but sometimes there aren’t enough of those.

Sitting in math classes won’t teach you how to teach. It is hard work. very hard work. That requires skills that you may or may not already have. So you really need those education classes.

Good Luck. I hope I wasn’t too down on teaching. I loved it but it isn’t for everyone.

Oh where are you relocating. In Michigan teachers can’t find jobs to save there lives. They are all waiting tables. Are you moving to a state that is begging for teachers like NC or FL or are you moving to one where they are losing population so they have more teachers then they need?

And whatever you do please don’t get a degree then get a masters in teaching. Much harder to get hired. An endorcement is fine just don’t finish the masters degree until you have a job.

I would suggest that once you have enough credits try substutie teaching. it will give you a taste of teaching before you spend all your time and money. And as soon as possible if you are good at Math start tutoring younger students. Also giving you not quite an idea what teaching is like since it will hardly ever be one on one like that but it will show you whether you like explaining things to people. what ages are you most confortable with ect.

Remember that with whatever you choose to do that it doesn’t have to be the last thing you do. You can always change no matter what route you take.

oh please excuse me if I was unclear. kids are being crazy as I try to type. And all the misspelling.

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A few days ago
smwonder00
My recommendation would be to do a double major. Particularly since you are unsure where you want to teach. That will open up the playing field for you. If you major if Math, you will have a complete knowledge of the subject you want to teach. But, many districts/counties do no hire formally people without teaching degrees. That is why it is essential that you have a teaching degree also. Most universities are tailored to a specific state/district’s requirements. One university does not prepared you for all possible jobs out there. Also, teaching is not an easy job. Its not just about knowing you content. Its about know how to teach it to others. You will find yourself better equip to teach high school students if you have a teaching degree. Go for the double major.
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A few days ago
Mathlady
It seems like most math teachers at the secondary level are math majors. Some have a double major in math and education. If you for sure want secondary math, I would recommend the math major – it shows your knowledge of the subject more.

I teach 8th grade, and have a math minor with elementary education major. My masters is in curriculum and instruction (c&i in Wisconsin). I have been on the hiring committee for high school postings, since our math department works close, and have not seen any applicants interviewed without the math major.

Good luck – it is a very rewarding career!

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A few days ago
naturalist
Your Major will be in Secondary Education, with a concentration (another Major) in Mathematics. You can also choose another area of concentration and just minor in it. For me, My area of concentration is Social Studies, with a minor in English.
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A few days ago
Jeƒƒ Lebowski
Nah.. you don’t need either. As long as you have 18 hours of college math, you can get an “Alternate Route” certification.
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4 years ago
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