Teaching Math in Washington, D.C.

What it means to teach in Washington, D.C. is rapidly changing. Once known for being one of our nation’s worst school systems, the District of Columba has implemented sweeping policy changes – effectively recasting the educational landscape in our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. aims to be the first large American city where poverty does not stand in the way of a child’s education. While the challenges of teaching in a failing urban district are plentiful, the opportunity to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking reform overhaul may appeal to many teachers seeking a challenge and to improve their instructional practice.

The District of Columbia is now among the top-paying school districts in the country. Teachers are treated as professionals and celebrated with monetary rewards. The rest of the country is looking at D.C.’s efforts and waiting to see if these dramatic changes lead to a large-scale transformation in educational outcomes for D.C.’s students. For teachers looking to be rewarded for effort and results, the District of Columbia offers a unique opportunity and a chance to make history.

Math Teacher Certification in Washington, D.C.

Math Teaching Qualifications

The District of Columbia requires certified teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree and obtain passing scores on the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills test (PPST) and the Praxis II Subject Area Competence Test for the appropriate fields. In order for teachers to obtain the second tier teaching license, candidates must also pas the Praxis II Pedagogy exam.

Credentials & Exams

The District of Columbia offers two types of teaching licenses.

• The first is a Regular I license, which is valid for two years and non-renewable. This license is offered to new teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree, have passed the required Praxis exams and have either completed or are enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
• The second type of license is a Regular II license, which is renewable and valid for four years. This license is available to teachers who have met all education requirements and passed the Praxis II Pedagogy exam.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

The District of Columbia offers several alternative routes to certification.

• The first is the Post-Baccalaureate certification program, which is for those holding a bachelor’s degree and demonstrating proficiency in the subject area in which they are seeking certification. The program involves a pre-service field experience and a full-time teaching position, supported by intensive mentoring.
• A second option is the D.C. Teaching Fellows program. This program is available to career-changing professionals and allows individuals to earn a teaching certificate while teaching in a high-needs school. Fellows participate in an intensive six-week training program prior to beginning their teaching placement.
• A third option, the Mid-Atlantic Region Troops to Teachers Program, is available to veterans wishing to begin a teaching career.