To learn how to become a math teacher in Washington D.C., you must complete the following steps, as set forth by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education:
 | Complete an Approved Math Teacher Preparation Program |
 | Pass the Appropriate PRAXIS Examinations |
 | Apply for a District of Columbia Math Educator License |
 | Maintain your Regular II License |
The District of Columbia State Board of Education has developed standards that are aligned with Common Core State Standards designed to ensure that mathematics education in the District is focused and coherent so as to maximize student achievement.
These new standards are built on high-quality math standards used in other parts of the country and also drawn from international models of math education. As such, the State Board of Education’s math standards provide clarity and specificity by stressing a conceptual understanding of key principles.
Step 1. Complete an Approved Math Teacher Preparation Program
There are a number of ways you can become certified as a mathematics teacher in Washington D.C., all of which require the completion of a State-approved teacher preparation program at either the bachelor’s or post-bachelor’s level:
- If you do not possess a bachelor’s degree, you may choose to complete an approved teacher preparation program at the undergraduate-level that includes all necessary coursework and content required to achieve certification in Washington D.C.
- If you already possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you may complete an approved graduate-level teacher preparation program that results in an M.A.T., M.Ed., or M.A.T.L, including all necessary coursework and content required to achieve certification in Washington D.C.
- If you can demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, you may achieve teacher certification in Washington D.C. through the completion of a non-degree post-baccalaureate program
Approved teacher preparation programs in Washington D.C. must ensure students meet specific program standards based on grade range:
Elementary (1-6)
- Engage in a sequence of planned opportunities prior to student teaching that includes observing and participating in middle grades mathematics classrooms under the supervision of experienced and highly qualified teachers
- Experience full-time student teaching in elementary grades mathematics that is supervised by an experience and highly qualified teacher and a university or college supervisor with elementary grades mathematics teaching experience
Middle Grades (4-8)
- Engage in a sequence of planned opportunities prior to student teaching that includes observing and participating in middle grades mathematics classrooms under the supervision of experienced and highly qualified teachers
- Experience full-time student teaching in middle grades mathematics that is supervised by an experience and highly qualified teacher and a university or college supervisor with middle grades mathematics teaching experience
Secondary (7-12)
- Engage in a sequence of planned opportunities prior to student teaching that includes observing and participating in both middle and secondary mathematics classrooms under the supervision of experienced and highly qualified teachers
- Experience full-time student teaching in secondary mathematics that is supervised by an experience and highly qualified teacher and a university or college supervisor with secondary mathematics teaching experience
Step 2. Pass the Appropriate PRAXIS Examinations
All candidates for educator licensure in Washington D.C. must complete the following PRAXIS examinations upon completing an approved teacher preparation program:
- PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educator Examinations: You must first take and pass all three sections of the PRAXIS I, which include reading, writing, and mathematics.
- PRAXIS II: Content Examinations (one of the following): You must take and pass one of the following content examinations in mathematics, depending on the grade level for which you are seeking licensure:
- Elementary Mathematics: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6
- Middle School Mathematics: Middle School Mathematics and Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 5-9
- Secondary Mathematics: Mathematics: Content Knowledge and Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 7-12
Step 3. Apply for a District of Columbia Math Educator License
Upon the successful completion of all pre-licensure requirements, you must apply for licensure as a mathematics teacher.
If you already completed your approved teacher program, you must complete an (initial) Application for Regular II Licensure.
If you are still enrolled in a teacher preparation program, you must complete an Application for Regular I Licensure. A Regular I license is valid for a period of 2 years and is non-renewable. This means that upon completion of an approved teacher preparation program, you must apply for a Regular II License.
All applications for licensure must include a completed Criminal History Report and an application processing fee of $50 (made payable to the DC Treasurer).
Step 4. Maintain your Regular II License
A Regular II license in Washington D.C. is valid for a period of 4 years, at which time you must renew it by completing an Application for Licensure Renewal.
To qualify for renewal, you must show proof of the completion of at least 6 semester hours or 90 contact hours (or a combination of the two). Your professional development activities must include at least 3 semester hours or 45 clock hours in mathematics.
Professional development activities may be found through a number of state or national associations, including: