Teaching Math in Alaska

Alaska offers plenty of opportunities and challenges for teachers with its mix of urban and rural school districts. While Anchorage is similar to any urban district, the more rural districts in the Bush (where villages are not connected to a road system!) epitomize rural teaching. The challenges of teaching in rural Alaska are great, but the rewards are too. Educators have the opportunity to make significant contributions to rural communities.

The state of Alaska is dedicated to attracting teachers who want to live and work in Alaska. To support this goal, the state offers many grants and repayment incentives for teachers committed to working in Alaskan schools. Most districts in Alaska also offer salaries well above the national average. While teaching in Alaska may not be for everyone, if you are up for an adventure and open to experiencing a new culture and way of life, Alaska may offer the perfect balance of challenge and opportunity.

Math Teacher Certification in Alaska

Math Teaching Qualifications

• To become a certified teacher in Alaska, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree, complete (or be enrolled in) a teacher preparation course and pass the Praxis 1/PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test), or an equivalent basic skills test from another approved state (see list here).

Credentials & Exams

There are three main types of credentials issued in Alaska:

• Initial Certificate (valid for three years, non-renewable);
• Professional Certificate (valid for five years, renewable);
• Master Teacher Certificate (ten years, renewable).

In order to obtain the Professional Certificate, individuals must teach for at least two years, complete a teacher education program and complete approved coursework in Alaska Studies and Multicultural/Cross-cultural Communications. Teachers must also pass a Praxis II Content Area Exam. A Master Teacher Certificate can only be obtained by teachers who have earned National Board Certification.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Alaska does offer an alternative certification path through the Alaska Transition to Teaching (AKT2) program. Individuals in this program must complete an online course and a four-week fieldwork program. The program requires a 2-year commitment to teaching in rural or high-needs school districts.