Teaching Math in Delaware

Given its relatively small population, the diversity of, and challenges facing, the Delaware education system are somewhat surprising. The state serves around 130,000 children in urban, suburban and rural school districts, offering a potential match for any teacher wishing to teach in the state.

With average salaries mirroring the national average, teachers can maintain a high quality of life in Delaware. Because the state is reporting shortages in math, there are many alternative certification routes available to those wishing to teach in Delaware. Qualified career changers and students who commit to teaching in Delaware’s highest-need areas will find plenty of loan forgiveness options to ease the transition. The state received the federal Race To The Top grant and, as a result, several initiatives have begun to take shape in Delaware. The state has launched a new teacher evaluation system, a statewide longitudinal data dashboard and incentives for retaining teachers in high-need schools and subject areas.

Math Teacher Certification in Delaware

Math Teaching Qualifications

Delaware requires specific undergraduate coursework, depending on the desired level of teaching license. Elementary education teachers must have 45 semester hours of education coursework, while secondary education teachers must have 30 semester hours of education coursework. All levels require 8 semester hours of practicum and/or student teaching.

Credentials & Exams

All teachers are required to pass the NES Assessments of Professional Knowledge for Delaware tests as well as the NES assessment aligned with the desired level of licensure.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

In addition, Delaware also offers alternative routes to a teaching certificate.

• The first is the Teaching Internships program. Internships are available to those with a passing score in at least one Subject Knowledge Area of the AEPA or a master’s degree in the desired subject area. Participants complete two years of student teaching under a mentor and receive a provisional teaching certificate upon completion.
• The second alternative route is the Teacher Fellowship program. This program is designed to attract accomplished professionals and college graduates to the teaching profession. Fellows are placed in high-need schools and complete certification coursework during their two-year teaching commitment.