Teaching Math in Hawaii

Few places offer the stunning physical beauty and rich cultural diversity of Hawaii. Residents enjoy year-round sunshine and stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls, volcanoes, and world famous beaches. In addition to its natural beauty, Hawaii has a rich, eclectic history rooted in many cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Micronesian, European and Native Hawaiian. Just in case that wasn’t enough, Hawaii’s offerings also include a diverse mix of metropolitan attractions, such as museums, operas and innovative cuisine.

While Hawaii certainly offers a great quality of life, the educational system is average, at best. Outcomes for native Hawaiians and Islanders are poor, and Hawaii is facing the challenges of overhauling a failing system. Hawaii won a Race to the Top grant, and since then the state has increased its energies to improve the system for its students. With salaries matching the national average and a higher than average quality of life, Hawaii offers an abundance of opportunities to teachers wishing to make a change in one of the nation’s most beautiful states.

Math Teacher Certification in Hawaii

Math Teaching Qualifications

Hawaii requires certified teachers to hold an undergraduate degree, complete a teacher preparation program and pass a Basic Skills Test. Teachers must pass the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) to meet the Basic Skills Testing requirement as well as the Praxis II: Subject Tests in the appropriate subject area.

Credentials & Exams

There are three types of teaching licenses available in Hawaii:

• The first is the Provisional License, which is available to applicants who have completed a teacher preparation program in Hawaii. The license is valid for three years and is renewable.
• The second type of license is the Standard License, which is available to applicants who either: (a) hold a valid teaching license from another state; (b) hold a degree from another state; or (c) have teaching experience in another state.
• The third type of license is the Advanced License, which is available to teachers who have either completed a graduate degree or received National Board Certification. This license is valid for ten years.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Hawaii offers two alternative certification routes:

• The first is the Respecialization in Special Education (RISE) licensing program. This program is designed to assist special education teachers who only hold a bachelor’s degree. Through the program, participants obtain a certificate through on-site training. The program is either a one- or two-year commitment, depending on the participant’s experience.
• Hawaii also participates in the Mountain Region Troops to Teachers program, a program for veterans wishing to enter the teaching profession.