Math & Science Teachers
Memphis City Schools has a great need for Math and Science teachers in grades 7-12. Our students deserve a strong foundation in Math and Science so that they may become successful in the workforce. Studies show that the most successful Math and Science educators are those with strong content knowledge in those subjects. Share your expertise with our students!
MCS offers the following Math classes to our students: general Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Introduction to College Math, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics.
Science is taught is the following areas: general Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Physical Science.
To read the curriculum taught in Memphis City Schools, visit the Teaching & Learning Academy’s website at:
http://www.memphis-schools.k12.tn.us/admin/tlapages/curriculumguides/index.asp
Uncertified Applicants
If you have the passion for Math or Science, but don’t hold a teaching license you may be able to qualify for an alternative license. You can qualify by meeting one of the following three requirements:
1. Have a major in Math or Science. To teach Math, you must have a Mathematics degree. To teach a science, your degree must be in the specific area that you will be teaching: Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
OR
2. Have a minor in the subject that you want to teach AND be enrolled in a Teacher Education Program (TEP) in that subject at a local university. You must have completed a significant amount of coursework in the program and your university TEP must confirm in writing that you are enrolled and eligible for an alternative license.
OR
3. Pass the required PRAXIS exams in the subject area that you want to teach. There are two (2) required PRAXIS exams for each subject. For information on these tests, please visit http://state.tn.us/education/lic/nte.shtml
For more information on teaching on an alternative license, please click here
Special Opportunities for Uncertified Math or Science Teachers
If you do not have a teaching license, there are opportunities for you to become licensed through Accelerated Math and Science licensure programs.
Memphis Teaching Fellows is an opportunity for motivated, high-achieving professionals or college graduates to revitalize the Memphis education system. This highly-selective program is a new MCS initiative to place talented and passionate individuals in Math, Chemistry, Spanish and Special Education classrooms. Fellows attend a summer training institute and begin teaching full-time in fall 2007 while earning a standard Tennessee teaching license. For more information and to apply, please visit www.memphisteachingfellows.org
The Three Rs Program is a federally funded program at the University of Memphis that provides tuition assistance for candidates with the desire to teach middle school Math or Science in Memphis City Schools.
•15-month accelerated licensure program
•Teach part-time and go to school part-time
•Must pass Middle School PRAXIS exam #046 in order to be considered
For more information, visit http://3rs.memphis.edu/.
Transition to Teaching seeks Math and Science professionals who decide to change careers and become teachers. Candidates receive a $5,000 forgivable loan for tuition toward the eighteen graduate hours required to meet licensure requirements, support through an induction program and ongoing professional development opportunities. For more information and detailed program requirements, visit http://www.tnt2t.com.
If you are not chosen for one of these programs, you may be able to qualify for an alternative teaching license on your own and then choose to enroll in the Teacher Education Program of your choice. For more information on how to qualify for the alternative license, click here.
FAQs
What if I have a degree in Liberal Arts but want to teach Math?
If you are thinking about teaching Math, then we encourage you to pursue a license to teach Math! Although you don’t automatically qualify for an alternative license because of your degree, if you take and pass the PRAXIS exams in Math you will qualify for an alternative license.
If I am accepted into one of the Math or Science licensure programs, do I still have to meet MCS’ eligibility requirements?
Yes. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, successfully pass a criminal background check and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
