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Math & Science Teaching Requirements
Elementary | Mathematics | Life Science | Physical Science
Elementary (Grades K-8) Certification Requirements:
Note: Because the Elementary certificate covers grades 5-8, it is possible to teach science and math at the middle level with a K-8 certificate. However, to be considered “Highly Qualified” by the No Child Left Behind Act, middle school teachers must meet additional academic requirements beyond the minimum Maine certification requirements.
Academic
Bachelor’s degree including a minimum of:
6 credits mathematics
6 credits science
6 credits English
6 credits social studies
[To be considered “highly qualified” to teach mathematics or science in grades 5-8, you must complete 24 credits in the subject you teach OR pass the Praxis II subject-specific exam.]
Professional:
You must complete a three-credit course in EACH of the following topics:
- Elementary mathematics methods
- Elementary science methods
- Elementary social studies methods
- Elementary reading methods
- Children’s literature, elementary language arts methods, or the writing process
- Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
- Coursework in pedagogical knowledge and skills as part of an approved program, OR pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching K-8 exam (0522) if pursuing the transcript analysis route to certification.
A student teaching experience (a minimum of 15 weeks full-time teaching all core academic subjects in grades K-8) is also required. The student teaching requirement is waived if you teach for one full year under a conditional, targeted need, or other certificate.
Tests:
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Praxis II: Elementary School: Content Knowledge (0014)
Mathematics (Grades 7-12) Certification Requirements
Academic:
Bachelor’s degree, including 24 credits hours in mathematics (such as algebra, geometry, calculus, probability, statistics, finite math, number theory)
Professional Coursework:
- Methods of teaching mathematics
- Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
- Coursework in pedagogical knowledge and skills as part of an approved program, OR pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 exam (0524) if pursuing the transcript analysis route to certification
A student teaching experience (a minimum of 15 weeks full-time teaching mathematics in grades 7-12) is also required. The student teaching requirement is waived if you teach for one full year under a conditional, targeted need, or other certificate.
Tests:
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Praxis II: Mathematics: Content Knowledge (0062)
Life Science (Grades 7-12) Certification Requirements
Academic:
Bachelor’s degree, including 24 credits hours in life science (such as biology, ecology, botany, zoology, anatomy, physiology, environmental science, entomology, ornithology)
Professional Coursework:
- Methods of teaching science
- Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
- Coursework in pedagogical knowledge and skills as part of an approved program, OR pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 exam (0524) if pursuing the transcript analysis route to certification
A student teaching experience (a minimum of 15 weeks full-time teaching life science in grades 7-12) is also required. The student teaching requirement is waived if you teach for one full year under a conditional, targeted need, or other certificate.
Tests:
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Praxis II: Biology: Content Knowledge (0235)
Physical Science (Grades 7-12) Certification Requirements
Academic:
Bachelor’s degree, including 24 credits hours in physical science (such as chemistry, physics, geology, earth science, soil science, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, soil science)
Professional Coursework:
- Methods of teaching science
- Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
- Coursework in pedagogical knowledge and skills as part of an approved program, OR pass the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 exam (0524) if pursuing the transcript analysis route to certification
A student teaching experience (a minimum of 15 weeks full-time teaching physical science in grades 7-12) is also required. The student teaching requirement is waived if you teach for one full year under a conditional, targeted need, or other certificate.
Tests:
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Praxis II: Physical Science: Content Knowledge (0481)