Information for Undergraduates Interested in High School or Junior High Mathematics Teaching

CSET Waiver Program in Mathematics

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires that all secondary mathematics teachers in the state demonstrate the content knowledge necessary to effectively teach mathematics to students in grades 7-12. The UCSB Department of Mathematics offers a CTC-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) in Mathematics.

In order to earn a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in Mathematics, applicants must demonstrate subject matter competency by one of the following methods:

  • Complete a CTC-approved SMPP in Mathematics,
  • Pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Mathematics,
  • Complete coursework in Mathematics that covers all of the required Mathematics Domains, or
  • Complete a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mathematics.
​Undergraduates who earn ANY Bachelor’s degree in the Department of Mathematics have completed the subject matter competency requirements and may waive the CSET.

CalTeach

CalTeach is a program for STEM undergraduates offered by the Gevirtz School of Education at UCSB.  This program aims to recruit, prepare and support exceptional mathematics and science undergraduates for careers in K-12 teaching.  For more information about CalTeach, please visit the website at education.ucsb.edu/calteach.

Minor in Science and Mathematics Education

The Minor in Science and Mathematics Education introduces undergraduates to theories of learning and the practices of teaching in K-12 science and mathematics classrooms.  This minor is offered by the Gevirtz School of Education, and it is excellent preparation for those preparing to apply to teaching credential programs.  For those wanting to teach high school or junior high school, please consider the Secondary Track. For more information, see the Science and Mathematics Education Minor page.  

If you have any questions about K-12 mathematics teaching, please contact Christopher Ograin, Teaching Professor in the Departments of Mathematics and Education, at ograin@ucsb.edu.