Teaching Math in New Hampshire

New Hampshire – the “Live Free or Die” state – has a lot to offer an ambitious math teacher. New Hampshire is marked by strong cultural feelings of independence, community and tradition. As far as the classroom goes, New Hampshire has an extremely low student-to-teacher ratio at 11.6 to 1 – well below the national average of 16 students per teacher. It also offers a wide-range of grants, fellowships and scholarships to science, technology, engineering and math teachers – whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer.

New Hampshire also offers multiple entryways into the teaching profession, including traditional routes, reciprocity options and a variety of alternative pathways. New Hampshire has reported teacher shortages in mathematics, making it a great opportunity for incoming math teachers to launch or continue their careers. And if that’s not enough, New Hampshire is one of only a handful of states where you can see the seacoast in the morning and then go skiing in the afternoon!

Math Teacher Certification in New Hampshire

Math Teaching Qualifications

Like most states, New Hampshire requires teachers to complete a specified amount of undergraduate coursework, pass the requisite standardized examinations and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.

Credentials & Exams

• Testing Requirements: All candidates for initial certification under Alternatives 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 must document basic academic skills of reading, writing and mathematics by passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam. Alternative tests may be accepted. Candidates with a Master’s degree or higher, or those with more than seven years of credentialed teaching experience, are exempted from taking the CORE. All candidates must document subject area competence (when required) by passing Praxis II – Subject Assessment Test. Alternative tests may be accepted. Once again, candidates with at least a Master’s degree in the subject to be taught are exempt from taking Praxis II. Note: candidates with a Master’s degree are not exempt from taking PRAXIS II for Early Childhood Education certification or for Elementary Education certification.
• Alternative 1: This is the traditional certification route. In order to qualify, prospective teachers must graduate from an accredited teacher preparatory program with a bachelor’s degree and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis II – Subject Assessment Tests.
• Alternative 2: New Hampshire recognizes training and certification in other states and offers a reciprocity option for qualified individuals. In order to qualify, eligible candidates must complete an approved professional preparation programs in one of the states belonging to the Interstate Certification Contract or hold a valid teaching certificate from an ICC state; graduate with a bachelor’s degree (or higher); have at least three years of successful certified teaching experience within the previous seven years in an ICC member state; and meet any other experience requirements for a comparable New Hampshire certificate.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

New Hampshire also offers alternative pathways to certification outside of the traditional route and reciprocity option. These include:

• Alternative 3: This certification option is designed for candidates who have attained the necessary competencies, skills and knowledge through means other than Alternatives 1 or 2. Alternative 3A includes both a written examination and an oral review. Alternative 3B recognizes National Board Certification and/or regional licensure.
• Alternative 4: This program is designed to address critical shortage areas by authorizing the superintendent of a school district, or his/her designee, to develop an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) leading to full certification. To qualify for this program, prospective teachers must obtain a Statement of Eligibility to pursue Alternative 4 licensure. In addition, candidates interested in teaching mathematics in grades 5-8 must pass one college course in calculus or its equivalent; to qualify as a math teacher in grades 7-12, applicants must pass two college courses in calculus (or its equivalent).
• Alternative 5: This site-based certification plan option allows an individual to attain certification in elementary and secondary teaching areas, excluding vocational education and special education. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and meet one of the following criteria: (1) For secondary education, at least 30 credit hours in the subject to be taught and an overall grade point average of at least 2.5, or equivalent; and (2) for elementary education, coursework in mathematics, English, social studies and science with an overall grade point average of at least 2.5.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Portsmouth math teachers earn between 103 and 117 percent of the state’s average salary.