Mathematics Specialist, K-8 Endorsement
Overview: The Mathematics Specialist, K-8 Endorsement is optional but may be required by local governing boards. The endorsement is recommended for those holding the position of mathematics specialist, mathematics consultant, mathematics interventionist, or mathematics coach in a kindergarten through grade eight setting. The endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached. Requirements for certification are subject to change and fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.
Note: The Mathematics Specialist, K-8 endorsement does not authorize the holder to teach in a single subject classroom. If you are seeking a credential to teach in a Single Subject: Middle Grades Mathematics classroom, please see the Requirements to add an Approved Area.
Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable educator certificate or endorsement in another state, please see the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for information on applying under reciprocity rules.
- Prerequisite Certificate: You must hold a valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, or Special Education teaching certificate to add this endorsement.
- Application and Fee: Submit the Application for Certification and required fee. The fee for this endorsement is $60. Fees are non-refundable.
- AZDPS IVP Card: Verify through the ADE Educator Portal that your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) IVP fingerprint clearance card is on file with ADE or include a photocopy of the AZDPS IVP card with your application.
- Teaching Experience: Ask your school human resources office to complete and submit the Verification of Teaching Experience form. Note: Three years of full-time teaching experience in Kindergarten through Grade 8 is required.
- Official Transcripts: Official transcripts documenting all applicable coursework.
- Note: If you completed the applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies" list for further information.
- Subject Knowledge Exam (if applicable): Submit a copy of the score report documenting you passed the appropriate AEPA/NES Subject Knowledge exam, or documentation to qualify for a waiver of the subject knowledge exam requirement.
All of the following requirements must be met:
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades or Special Education teaching certificate.
-AND-
- Teaching Experience: Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience in grades K through eight.
-AND-
- Mathematics Education Coursework: Six semester hours of mathematics education coursework to include both of the following:
- Three semester hours of mathematics classroom assessment;
- Three semester hours of research-based practices, pedagogy, and instructional leadership in mathematics.
-AND-
One of the following (Option A or B):
- Option A - Mathematics Content Coursework. Eighteen semester hours of mathematics coursework to include all of the following:
- Three semester hours of data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics;
- Three semester hours of geometry and measurement;
- Six semester hours of patterns, algebra, and functions; and
- Six semester hours of number and operations.
- Option B - Mathematics Subject Knowledge Exam: One of the following:
- Arizona Exam: A passing score on the AEPA/NES Middle Grades Mathematics (NT203), Mathematics (Middle Grades and Early Secondary) (NT105), or Mathematics (NT304) exam.
- Out-of-State Exam: A passing score on a similar exam from another state or agency.
- Degree: A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in Mathematics.
- Teaching Experience: Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience in any state, including Arizona, in grades 6-12 Mathematics classroom.
- Note: Teaching experience in a foreign country and substitute teaching will not be accepted to meet the subject knowledge exam requirement.
Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority
- Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
- Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment.
- Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be from an Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency and sent directly by the agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
- Verification of Teaching Experience: Request that your school/district human resources office office complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form directly to the online Contact Form.
- Out-of-State Exam Score Reports: If you are using out-of-state exams, include a copy of the score report with your application and have exams verified as follows:
- Forward the Verification of Out-of-State Exams form to the state agency that accepted the exam. This form must be completed and submitted directly by the agency to [email protected]; or
- If you are using a Praxis exam, have your scores reported by ETS to the Arizona Department of Education (8517).
Accepted photocopies from the applicant
- AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
- Arizona Exam: Submit a photocopy of your official score report.
