Turn Your Degree Into a Teaching Career
As someone who has always loved mathematics, you know the power of solving problems, making connections, and seeing patterns in the world around us.
Teachers who can make math come alive—connecting why it matters and its relevance to the world we live in—are so important.
Now, you’re ready to inspire future students to see math as more than numbers on a page, but as a way of thinking that builds confidence, creativity, and curiosity.
The online Mathematics 7–12 Teaching Certificate program is designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree and want to earn the credentials to become a qualified mathematics teacher in secondary grades 7–12. The initial certification program is available through a traditional coursework pathway or through Pennsylvania’s Experience-Based Certification, a professional certificate entitling its holder to fill a professional teaching position for mathematics in grades 7–12.
Why Earn Your Math Teaching Credentials for Grades 7–12 at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â
The need for qualified mathematics teachers in Pennsylvania is greater than ever—and ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â can help you step into that role with confidence. ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â's Mathematics 7–12 Teaching Certificate program is built on a strong tradition of preparing graduates who connect with students of all backgrounds and inspire them to succeed in math.
As a student, you’ll benefit from expert faculty, research-based instruction, and hands-on classroom experience. You’ll have the guidance of a dedicated advisor, plus opportunities to connect with a statewide network of mathematics educators who can open doors to career opportunities.
What You’ll Learn
The Mathematics 7–12 Teaching Certificate provides a high-quality graduate education that prepares secondary mathematics teachers to deliver innovative, research-based instruction that supports the success of every student.
In this program, you’ll not only strengthen your knowledge of mathematics but also learn how to bring the subject to life for your students. You’ll discover how to design student-centered lessons that spark curiosity, build confidence, and show the real-world relevance of math.
By understanding how adolescents learn and grow, you’ll be equipped to create classroom experiences that inspire deeper thinking and lasting problem-solving skills. At the same time, you’ll grow as a professional educator—reflecting on your teaching, drawing on the latest mathematics education research, connecting with other mathematics educators, and professional organizations.
This program will empower you to step into the classroom not only as a secondary teacher of mathematics, but as a mentor who helps students see math as a pathway to creativity, opportunity, and success.
Imagine Your Future
Jobs for math teachers are plentiful, giving you opportunities almost anywhere in the country. The report identifies mathematics as one of the top five teacher shortage areas nationwide. You could even take your expertise abroad and teach at American schools around the world.
At ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, our graduates have a proven record of success—100 percent of students who seek teaching jobs are hired. Additionally, . With the Mathematics 7-12 Teaching Certificate, you will be eligible to teach grades 7–12 and also grade 6, and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers. Along with strong job security, math teachers enjoy competitive salaries and can earn more by coaching, sponsoring clubs, or taking on leadership roles.
Teaching offers financial stability, great benefits like health insurance and paid leave, and support for professional growth through courses and conferences. You’ll also enjoy rewarding relationships with students and colleagues, plus a healthy work-life balance with scheduled breaks and the possibility of earlier retirement.
Predicted Jobs Outlook
Middle Level
High School
Pennsylvania Starting Top Salary, 2025
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Classes and Requirements
Whether you choose the traditional coursework pathway or the Pennsylvania Experience-Based Certificate, the program requires 24 credits of coursework: 12 credits in Mathematics Education Core, three credits in Mathematics Education Electives, and nine credits in Professional Practice. Each applicant’s transcript is carefully reviewed by the program director and faculty to determine whether additional courses are needed to meet mathematics prerequisites (see the Admissions section for details).
The Professional Practice requirement (nine credits) includes pre-student teaching and student teaching experiences in Pennsylvania schools. For traditional pathway students, pre-student teaching can be completed in a Pennsylvania school within 50 miles or one hour of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â to allow for on-site supervision. Student teaching consists of a 15-week, full-time school placement with face-to-face supervision by an ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â mathematics educator. If you pursue Experience-Based Certification, the pre-student teaching and student teaching requirements are met through a Pennsylvania mathematics teaching position in your certification area. The math teaching position must be within 50 miles or one hour of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â to accommodate on-site supervision. Whether you want to complete the program along the traditional path or through the intern certificate, you are welcome to reach out to the graduate coordinator to discuss your options if you live outside of the 50-mile or one-hour distance.
In addition to taking these courses, you will need to complete ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s three-step process for teacher education for formal qualification to teach middle or high school math in Pennsylvania.
Some expectations include maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, earning a grade of C or better in all courses, and securing the necessary clearances to work in schools.
Teacher testing requirements differ slightly between the two pathways. Students pursuing Pennsylvania’s Experience-Based Certification must pass the required certification tests before applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Experience-Based Certification. Traditional pathway students, on the other hand, must pass their teacher testing within their first six credits.
Students can also transition easily into ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s master’s in education degree in Mathematics Education, either adding the certification to their MEd degree or continuing from the certification to complete their master’s degree.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Admissions
You can apply to the Mathematics 7-12 Certificate for a summer, fall, or spring entry term. We recommend starting in fall or spring due to organizing field placements for hands-on classroom experiences
Application Deadlines
- Fall: June 15
- Spring: September 15
- Summer: March 15
Pennsylvania Experience-Based Certificate
Choosing the Experience-Based Certification pathway is a great option if you want to start teaching right away while completing your certification. This route lets you gain real classroom experience (and a paycheck!) as you work through the program.
Because you’ll be serving as a teacher of record, there are some extra admission qualifications, admission materials, and expectations beyond the admission deadlines, qualifications, and materials described above. The expectations include continuous enrollment and completion of all program requirements within five years. The Pennsylvania Experience-Based Certificate is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The certificate cannot be renewed and may be revoked if enrollment stops or if there are serious conduct issues. The extra admission qualifications and materials are listed below.
Experience-Based Certificate Qualifications and Materials
- Pass the Praxis exams for your certification area before applying for the PA Experience-Based Certificate.
- Apply for the PA Experience-Based Certificate in 7–12 Mathematics.
- Secure a teaching position (full- or part-time) in your certification area within 50 miles or one hour of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. Candidates living outside of 50 miles or one hour from ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â should contact the program coordinator to discuss options for this qualification.
- Work with a certified mentor teacher at your school who:
- Is certified in your content area,
- Has at least three years of full-time teaching experience, and
- Has taught at your school for at least one year.
- Submit two letters of acknowledgment (on school letterhead) to the program coordinator. Specific expectations are required. Examples will be provided.
- One from your principal or supervisor supporting your application as an intern candidate,
- One from your mentor teacher.
Scholarships, Grants, and Student Loan Forgiveness
As you work toward your career goals, you’ll have access to resources and financial support to help you succeed. Explore your options:
- Learn if you are eligible for federal aid by completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Does your school district provide funding for graduate coursework? Consider completing the Employer Tuition Reimbursement Form.
- Grants for graduate classes are available from the .
- are available for math teachers.