Teaching Math in Indiana

Teaching in Indiana offers a diverse mix of opportunities suitable to meet anyone’s needs. Indiana is made up of successful suburban districts, developing rural areas and a struggling urban region in and around Indianapolis. Although teachers in Indiana are paid slightly less than the national average, the state offers a low cost of living and several alternative pathways for those looking to make a difference in a changing education landscape.

Teachers have a powerful voice in Indiana, as evidenced in their recent successful efforts to repeal the implementation of the Common Core standards. The state is at a critical juncture, where state, district and schools are all working to change a system that is currently not serving all of it students. The legislature is constantly passing comprehensive legislation aimed at reforming the state system, which means it’s a great opportunity for innovative teachers and leaders to get involved and make a difference.

Math Teacher Certification in Indiana

Math Teaching Qualifications

Indiana requires that certified teachers hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an accredited certification program and pass both a basic skills and content-area test. The Basic Skills testing requirement can be met either by the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) or by an approved alternate assessment. If needed, teachers must take the appropriate Praxis II: Subject Area Tests.

Credentials & Exams

There are three levels of teacher licensure in Indiana:

• The first is the Initial Practitioner license. This license is available for new teachers and requires participation in the Beginning Teacher Mentorship Program during the first year. During the second year of teaching, teachers create and present a professional portfolio. After successful completion of these requirements, the superintendent will recommend a teacher for the next type of license.
• The next (and most common) level of licensure is the Proficient Practitioner license. This is a five-year renewable license.
• The third level of certification is the Accomplished Practitioner license, which is typically available to those who have earned Masters degrees or National Board Certification.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

here are three alternative certification routes available in Indiana:

• The first is the Transition to Teaching program, which is designed to encourage professionals with content expertise to enter the teaching profession.
• A second option is the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows program. This program is available to individuals without an education background who wish to teach in high-need subject areas and schools. Fellows undergo extensive summer training and receive support and mentoring during their time in the classroom. Fellows earn a Master’s degree while teaching.
• A third option is the Indiana Troops to Teachers program, which is available to veterans wishing to enter the teaching profession.