Credential Options for Teaching Mathematics in Middle School

There are 3 types of credentials or authorizations that would allow you to teach mathematics at the middle school level in the state of California:

  • Single Subject Credential in Mathematics
  • Subject Matter Authorization in Introductory Mathematics
  • Single Subject Credential in Foundational Mathematics

Single Subject Credential in Mathematics

The Single Subject Credential in Mathematics would allow you to teach the entire middle and high school mathematics curriculum.

Subject Matter Authorization in Introductory Mathematics

The Subject Matter Authorization (SMA) in Introductory Mathematics, which must be added onto another teaching credential, would allow you to teach mathematics through 9th grade. To add this authorization you must:

  1. Complete all of the requirements for another teaching credential, either the Multiple Subjects Credential or a Single Subject Credential in another content area

  2. Successfully complete 32 units of college level mathematics to include "algebra, advanced algebra, geometry, probability or statistics, development of the real number system or introduction to mathematics" (CTC, 2005.)

    Our recommended course sequence for this teaching authorization is:

    1. MTED 110
    2. MTED 205
    3. MTED 301
    4. MTED 312
    5. MTED 402
    6. MTED 415
    7. MTED 420
    8. MTED 424
    9. MTED 425

    You can add other college level mathematics course work to complete the 32-unit total if needed. There are other course combinations that are acceptable.

  3. It is recommended that you also complete EDSS 450M or a middle school mathematics methods course.

If you would like more information about this teaching authorization, contact the Math Education (K-9th) Advisor.

Single Subject Credential in Foundational Mathematics

This Single Subject Credential in Foundational Mathematics (SSFM) would allow you to teach mathematics through Algebra II in high school. To complete the requirements for this credential you need to complete one of the following two options.

Option 1 - SSFM as the only credential:

  1. Pass the first 2 parts of the Single Subject Mathematics CSET and
  2. Complete all of the Education requirements for the Single Subject Credential in Mathematics.

Contact the Math Education (K-9th) Advisor for more information about this option.

Option 2 - SSFM as an add-on credential:

  1. Complete all of the requirements for another teaching credential (either the Multiple Subjects Credential or a Single Subject Credential in another content area)
  2. pass the first 2 parts of the Single Subject Mathematics CSET
  3. complete EDSS 450M.