Teaching Math in Kentucky

Kentucky is proactively making changes in their educational system that will benefit both students and teachers. They are implementing the Common Core Standards and PAARC testing; The state is determined to raise the academic level of Kentucky’s students up to par with the top performing schools in the nation.

Kentucky offers teachers a wide-range of grants and scholarships; the state also participates in federal student loan forgiveness programs. Kentucky also provides teachers with continuing education opportunities and offers a wealth of professional organizations that offer subject matter and pedagogical support. Kentucky is committed to ensuring teachers are successful, and so the state is willing to provide the resources necessary to make this happen.

Kentuckians are known for their mix of southern hospitality and Midwestern warmth – making Kentucky an excellent choice for any educator.

Math Teacher Certification in Kentucky

Math Teaching Qualifications

In order to qualify for initial certification in Kentucky, prospective teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, graduate from a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass the Praxis series of tests in the individual’s specified certification area, complete the Kentucky Teacher Internship program and submit the requisite certification forms.

Credentials & Exams

Kentucky offers three certification levels, catalogued according to “rank.” These include (in ascending order):

• Rank III is a provisional license issued to prospective teachers who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
• Rank II requires completion of a Master’s degree or (at minimum) 32 semester hours of graduate coursework.
• Rank I certification is issued to those teachers who have completed 60 semester hours or more of graduate credit, which may also include completion of a Master’s degree.
• Teachers must also be certified for the grade level and/or subject area they plan to teach.
• Finally, Kentucky uses the Pre Professional Skills Test (PPST) to test for Basic Skills. The PPST is required for entry into some, but not all, teacher preparation programs. Kentucky also uses both the Praxis II: Subject Test and Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test for subject area competency.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Kentucky offers several alternative pathways to teacher certification, including:

• Exceptional Work Experience Certification
• Local District Training Program Certification
• College Faculty Certification
• Adjunct Instructor Certification
• Veterans of the Armed forces
• University-Based Alternative Route to Certification
• Institute Alternative Route to Certification
• Teach for America (TFA) Alternative Route to Certification