Are there any requirements to become a calculus teacher?

Question

i live in southern california and currently i'm about to start college to become a high school math teacher, and because i dont want to be the underdog teacher and be asigned to teach algebra 1, where i will be stock with freshmen and stupid juniors, so i was wondering if i can teach AP calculus in my first year as a teacher? i wouldnt mind taking a longer-than-usual number of classes but the faster the better.

Answer 1

Good advise to get a BS in Math in addition to education classes rather than just an education degree.  It is harder but would give you a leg up.

Answer 2

A. bad news for you.

new teachers are often assigned the ninth and tenth grade classes.

Say you are an administrator - you've had success with your calculus teachers all these years. Why entrust it to someone who has never taught before>? further, newer teachers need to wait for a retirement at times to get specific classes.

All secondary math teachers are just as qualified - there is no calculus specific credential - all secondary math teachers have passed their subject matter verification tests (in california there are three) and are credentialed to teach any math course 7-12. it is unlike science - In science there are many credential types - Biological, physics, Chemistry, geosciences, health. In Math there is simply one.

See the link for specifics about the types of credentials.

B. Now for the good news for you.

There is huge need for math teachers. If you do get a BS in mathematics (not education) and then your credential - Im pretty sure that you can find a school that needs you in whatever you'd like to teach. That is if you are willing to look around and perhaps work farther out or in an urban area. If you are looking into the suburbs - it won't happen.

finally - youve got four years to grow - that bit of an attitude that pre-judges kids taking algebra has got to go.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

I beleieve there are many classes you need to take in college to become a calculus teacher, but you are on the right track, maybe if you were to get your job, and made your reauest known, right up front with the school board whereever you're wanting to teach they may accommodate you, because they are not alot of teachers that care where they put them, its refreshing to say the least that you care, and that you care about the students,and their learning abilities. Good Luck, I hope you get your postion you want, just remember to keep your faith, and God will make the path for you.