Subject Matter Authorization in Math

Currently there are two options for Multiple Subject Credential and non-math Single Subject Credential holders who wish to teach introductory mathematics through ninth grade but the students may be in grades K-12.

Option A: Adding a Foundational Level Credential

An individual who holds either a Multiple Subject Credential or a non-math Single Subject Credential and wants to add a Foundational-Level Mathematics credential will be required to:

• Pass CSET I and CSET II in mathematics; and
• Successfully complete a middle school pedagogy course in mathematics (MTED 394M)

San José State University does not currently have a Foundational Level Credential. However, individuals who have obtained either a Multiple Subject Credential or a non-math Single Subject Credential and satisfied the two requirements listed above may apply to get the Foundational Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Please contact Ms. Ha Thai, SJSU Credential Analyst, at ha.thai@sjsu.edu (408-924-3541), for additional information about the Foundational Credential. The SJSU Credential Office can also process your application to the CCTC for you and may pay the fees associated with your application.

Option B: Obtaining an Introductory Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics

This authorization substitutes for the Supplemental Authorization for new teachers entering the profession. An Introductory Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics may be added to either a Single Subject or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and will authorize the holder to teach introductory mathematics through ninth grade. Having this authorization will enable a teacher to teach a math class in which the curriculum is for grade 9 and below but the students in the class may be in grades K-12.

An applicant will qualify for an Introductory Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics upon the completion of either one of two options below.

• 32 semester or 48 quarter hours of non-remedial collegiate coursework in mathematics. A minimum of three semester or four quarter hours is required in each of the specific content areas below. The balance of the units may be in any course within the subject category.
• A collegiate major from a regionally accredited college or university in a subject directly related to mathematics.

Of course, the applicant must possess a valid prerequisite teaching credential.

These are the required content areas for the 32 semester units:

• Algebra Advanced Algebra
• Geometry Probability or Statistics
• Development of the Real Number System or Introduction to Mathematics
  • Since both algebra and advanced algebra are required, there are several options available to meet both areas. The requirement is algebra content at two different levels.
  • Algebra courses must be for credit, applicable towards a degree, and, if completed at the community college level, transferable to a four-year institution to be acceptable. Elementary algebra courses may not meet these requirements. If trying to use an elementary algebra course, a course description will need to be submitted to verify the acceptability.
  • Course work must be college level mathematics or higher.
  • If an individual completes a college algebra course, the “advanced” course may be another level of algebra such as linear algebra. An individual may not use another college algebra course, an elementary algebra course, or the same level algebra course completed at another college of university.
  • If an individual completes a college or other level algebra course (other than elementary algebra), the “advanced” course may be a “higher” level math courses such as trigonometry or calculus.
  • Courses in calculus will clear the specific course requirements (one for each content area being cleared) in algebra, advanced algebra, geometry, and development of the real number system. The applicant must still have the required 32 units. Calculus courses will not clear the probability and statistics content area.
  • If the applicant has only one or two courses in calculus and no course work in algebra, geometry, or real number systems, the applicant will need to either submit course descriptions so that it can be confirmed whether or not those areas were covered by the calculus course(s) or complete additional course work in the required content areas.
  • Personal enrichment-type mathematics courses are not acceptable.
  • One mathematics-based computer course is acceptable as additional units toward the required 32 units.

These are the CCTC requirements. Our suggestions for courses are listed below.

The full CCTC document Subject Matter Authorization Guidebook [pdf] is available online. There is also a shorter version of the guidebook [pdf] available.