TEACHING MATH AND SCIENCE

YOU ARE NEEDED NOW!

In California there is a great shortage of math and science teachers. If every current senior in all the colleges in the state who are majoring in math or a science decided to become teachers upon graduation, the state still would be short about 40% of those needed for the current year! So how are the classrooms going to be filled with highly qualified teachers?

The only way to meet the present and future need for math and science teachers is the mid-career transition of dedicated individuals from industry to education. Everyone knows that teaching is both a calling and a learned skill. It is a profession and requires proper professional preparation for an individual, no matter what his/her background, to succeed. For over a decade alternative professional programs have been in place to rapidly transfer the talent found in industry to meet the critical need for more math and science teachers while maintaining the high standards of teacher preparation. These programs are outlined in the following general information.

HOW CAN I START TEACHING QUICKLY?

There are a couple options that can get you hired as a math or science teacher quickly, no matter what your undergraduate major. There are three simple preliminary steps you must meet initially:

  1. Pass a background check.
  2. Evidence U.S. Constitutional knowledge either by coursework in college or a short test that can be given.
  3. Have a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college.

Most SEARCH participants meet the first three requirements with ease. There are two more requirements before you can be hired and put in the classroom as a teacher. Both of these requirements can be done by taking two tests.

  1. Evidence basic education skills (the "3 r's" -- reading, 'riting, and 'rithmatic)  This requirement can be done via the four-hour California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). See www.cbest.nesinc.com for detailed information about this test. The CBEST consists of reading, writing and math at the 10th grade level and below -- most of it far below that level. Recently, CCTC has begun to accept basic education skill test results from other states and the use of alternative tests such as the GRE, ACT, and SAT. For detailed information on these options refer to: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/notices/coded/0711/0711.pdf
  2. Evidence subject matter expertise. This is done by passing the California Subject Examination Test (CSET) (see www.cset.nesinc.com). This five-hour test will cover the subject you have chosen to teach:
    • Science teachers will take two general science tests as well as   another in one of the following areas of emphasis: Physics: Chemistry: Earth and Planetary Science; or Biology/Life Science.
    • Math teachers can earn a credential at the following levels: Foundational Math (two tests that include number theory, algebra, geometry; and probability and statistics); and/or Full Math credential (includes the Foundational Math level tests plus another test on Calculus and History of Math)

Rarely, there is an opportunity to utilize a very restrictive method to have this requirement waived based upon the completion of recent college coursework in California. Contact the SEARCH representative to learn more of this option.

Here is a quick re-cap of what you have evidenced in order to enter the classroom by completing the above five items:  you are not a criminal (background check); you are a patriot (Constitutional knowledge); you are a "Renaissance person" (bachelor's degree); you have basic educational skills; and you are a subject matter expert in what you are going to teach! The only thing you have yet to accomplish is to learn how to teach! 

To learn how to be a professional teacher you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs usually require about 32 credits of additional course work beyond a bachelor's degree to include almost a full semester of student teaching. However, because the state is so short math and science teachers you can complete this preparation program while you teach!  After a minimum of 120 classroom hours (3-weeks) you can enter the classroom as an Intern. You are the teacher of record and on the payroll with benefits. You complete a state-approved intern program with either a university or a district program by doing the academic courses at night school, or on weekends, or on-line. You don't have to student teach because that is your day job!  You will have a network of supporters, mentors and monitors to help you in the classroom as you complete the program. The SEARCH representative will explain these options fully.

CAN I START TEACHING BEFORE I TAKE THE TESTS?

Yes. In California, if you meet the basic educational skills requirement, there is a special provision open to those with the appropriate academic background to be hired immediately. This is referred to as the Provisional Intern Permit (PIP) program. To enter the classroom under the PIP, your transcripts are evaluated by the school district credential analyst and if you qualify, the district can offer you temporary employment. You will then have one year in which to complete the required tests and be accepted into an intern program. More information about PIP can be obtained by calling the SEARCH representative and at the following webpage: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl856.pdf.