Student looking through microscope

California employs over 300,000 teachers to educate its 6.3 million students. While all the subjects taught in the public schools are important, there is a greater shortage of teachers in particular subjects. Obtaining a teaching credential in one of these fields would help reduce the shortage and may increase your chances of employment.

Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the highest need subject areas in California, and the demand for math teachers has increased because eighth graders are now required to take Algebra 1. As many as 1,900 additional middle school algebra teachers may be needed.*

Science

According to the Department of Education, almost 2,000 projected hires in physical and life science were needed in 2008-09. This number, coupled with the fact that the number of new science credentials declined by 25% from 2003 to 2007* means that there are many jobs waiting to be filled by fully credentialed science teachers.

What assistance is available to future math/science teachers?

SDSU has academic and financial support programs in order to attract and train future science teachers, such as MSTI: the Math and Science Teacher Initiative.

The Assumption Program of Loans in Education (APLE) , the TEACH grant, and other financial aid programs are also available. The Department of Energy even has a Pre-Service Teacher program that features paid internships.

*The Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning, 2008