ELIGIBILITY
APPLICATION PROCESS
CAREER CHANGER
PROGRAM INFORMATION
TEACHING IN SAN DIEGO SECONDARY SCHOOLS
MISCELLANEOUS
ELIGIBILITY
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with substantial coursework in mathematics. A minimum of 18 credits in math course at the calculus level or higher are required. Qualifying candidates typically have more than 21 credits in mathematics, including single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and advanced statistics. Applicants must attend one of our three participating universities (CSUSM , SDSU, and UCSD) to obtain their teaching credential; they are responsible for their own application and acceptance to their university of choice. Candidates must achieve a competitive score on the ETS Praxis II Math Content Exams, be able to make a five year commitment to the MƒA SD Fellowship Program and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
What type of person is a good candidate for an MƒA SD Fellowship?
MƒA SD seeks individuals who know and love mathematics. We recruit individuals who are mathematically talented and enjoy working with young people. MƒA SD is interested in candidates who have a desire to serve in high need, urban teaching environments. There is no set profile in terms of background or experience.
I am a career changer. Is there specific information for me?
Our fellows are both recent college graduates and career changers. See Career Changer FAQ for special information.
Do I need to be a math major to apply?
No, applicants do not need to hold a degree in mathematics to apply to the Fellowship. All applicants need 18 math credits in Calculus and higher, but these credits may or may not have been earned towards a degree. While many of our applicants have degrees in Math, Physics or Engineering, all applicants meeting this credit requirement are welcome to apply.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
Yes. The State of California teaching certification requires that all candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
If I am certified or have completed certification requirements in another state, can I apply?
No. The MƒA SD Fellowship program’s primary focus is to bring new people into careers in teaching. Current full-time teachers at the K-12 level or anyone holding a teaching certification are not eligible. This includes independent schools, parochial schools, charter schools and other public schools.
Can I apply if my undergraduate degree was in both math and math education?
Yes. If you already have a math and math education dual degree, then you are eligible to apply, provided you neither teach full-time at the K-12 level, nor hold teacher certification.
What if I already have a master’s degree in math, science or engineering?
Individuals with master’s degrees are welcome to apply for the Fellowship. Candidates who attend SDSU or CSUSM will complete a one-year graduate program and earn their single-subject teaching certification. Candidates who attend UCSD will complete a two-year graduate program and earn a master’s degree in Education in addition to their single-subject teaching certification. If you already have a master’s, you will receive a second master’s degree in teaching. MƒA SD will provide tuition and fees for applicants interested in receiving a master’s from SDSU or CSUSM in addition to their credential.
I received my undergraduate degree in a math-related field but do not have 18 credits in math. Am I still eligible?
It depends. Admission to the MƒA SD Fellowship is competitive and our applicants have many unique talents and accomplishments. The Selection Committee thoroughly reviews the entire application, including academic accomplishments, mathematical ability, interpersonal skills and commitment to MƒA SD’s mission. Graduates with degrees in science, engineering, economics or other math-related fields are welcome to apply with less than eighteen units. The ETS Praxis II Math Content Exams will provide insight into the applicant’s level of mathematics knowledge.
If I am a teacher’s aide or a substitute teacher, am I still eligible to apply to the program?
Yes. Candidates with classroom and substitute teaching experience are eligible to apply to the MƒA SD program, as long as you are not certified to teach in any state.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply to the MƒA SD Fellowship Program?
Click on the “Apply Now” button and follow directions. You will need to submit the online application form, a resume, transcripts, a classroom scenario and personal statement. In addition, you are required to take the Praxis II Math Content Exams. Information on the exams can be found at www.ets.org.
If I apply to one MƒA program, will I be eligible for consideration at all MƒA sites?
No. You must apply separately to each site for individual program consideration. Each MƒA site works with different universities and school districts.
Do I need to apply separately to California State University San Marcos, San Diego State University or University of California, San Diego in addition to the MƒA SD Fellowship Program?
Yes. Candidates are responsible for application and acceptance for graduate course work at one of MƒA SD’s three partner universities -- California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Application to the MƒA SD program is a separate, concurrent application process.
Can I complete my credential program at another local university?
No. Our partner universities work closely with MƒA SD to support our program and participating Fellows during their credential year(s).
Can I receive my master’s degree and my credential at the same time?
MƒA SD Fellows can complete their master’s degree at any of our three partner universities. UCSD’s credential program is a combined, two-year Master of Education degree/Credential Program and the CSUSM and SDSU Fellows earn their teaching credentials at the end of the first year and may earn their master’s degree once they have begun teaching.
Do I need to submit international transcripts?
If your academic credentials are from an institution outside of the United States and Canada, we encourage you to provide a World Education Services, Inc. (WES) course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable). We must receive the completed WES report by the appropriate admission deadline. Forms for evaluation by WES may be downloaded from the WES website at www.wes.org. For more information on WES, please see their website.
What is the Praxis math exam and why do I need to take it?
MƒA SD is dedicated to ensuring that all Fellows have the mathematics skills needed for success in the secondary classroom. To determine mathematical ability, the Selection Committee reviews application materials, including the Praxis scores.
How do I sign up for and take the Praxis exams?
Applicants must sign up for the ETS Praxis II Math Content Exams directly through ETS at www.ets.org. You must indicate which test date you will be signing up for on the online application. Your test fees ($160) and registration fee ($50) will be reimbursed after you submit a completed MƒA SD Fellowship application and your test score report is received by MƒA SD. MƒA’s institution code is 7779. To ensure that your score report is sent to MƒA, enter this number when registering for the tests.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
MƒA SD does not require applicants to submit General Record Exam scores. The standardized tests that MƒA SD requires are the Praxis II Math Content Exams.
May I talk to a current Fellow before applying?
If you are interested in speaking with an MƒA SD Fellow about their experiences in the program, you can contact the MƒA SD office to arrange a meeting with a current Fellow.
What happens after I submit my application?
When your application is complete, including receipt of all letters of recommendation, transcripts and Praxis II Math Exam scores, it will be reviewed to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and then forwarded to members of the Selection Committee for evaluation. The Selection Committee evaluates candidates for mathematical talent, strong potential for teaching and commitment to serving in a high need secondary school environment. MƒA SD’s program is highly selective.
When and where do interviews take place?
MƒA SD finalists will be interviewed in late April and early May, 2010. Interviews take place at the Math for America San Diego office, located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego.
When will I be notified about acceptance to the MƒA SD Fellowship program?
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance as an MƒA SD finalist in June 2010. Finalists who take the Praxis II Math Exams in March or April 2010 will be eligible for consideration of an MƒA SD Fellowship. Official test scores must be received before any Fellowship offers can be made.
Is the application binding? Do I have to accept the Fellowship?
Candidates who are interviewed and offered a Fellowship may decide not to accept the award.
Can I defer acceptance into the program?
Applicants who are accepted into the program may not defer acceptance. Applicants must reapply for the program the following year.
How can I get more information?
Review the Math for America San Diego Fellowship section, FAQ’s and Apply section of the site. If you have unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 858-822-6284.
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CAREER CHANGER
The Fellowship appears to be geared toward younger people – particularly those right out of college. Is this program really appropriate for a career changer?
We welcome applications from professionals who may be considering a career change to teach mathematics. San Diego has a large number of professionals who work in positions in high-tech, finance and other professions. We encourage career changers interested in using their life experiences as well as mathematics skills to apply to the program.
What are you looking for in an application from a career changer?
Career changers, like all applicants, must have strong math skills and appropriate coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level. The Selection Committee looks at personal statements and other information to understand the motivation of applicants and seeks evidence that the applicant is prepared for the experience of working with young people.
My undergraduate degree was not in mathematics. Can I still apply?
Yes. MƒA SD accepts applications from candidates who did not graduate with a mathematics degree. Many applicants hold degrees in math-related areas such as science or engineering, or have worked in a job where math skills were required.
Must I meet the 18 units of mathematics requirement?
Although 18 units of undergraduate mathematics is helpful, MƒA SD takes into consideration each applicant’s background and professional skills. The Praxis II Math Exams scores provide another way to determine the applicant’s proficiency in mathematics.
Do I have to be a full-time graduate student to complete my credential program?
Yes. The MƒA SD Fellowship program is specifically designed for 1-2 years of full-time graduate studies. MƒA SD Fellows benefit from interaction with each other through their university, student internships, teaching and Fellowship activities.
Who should write my letters of reference?
If you have been out of college or graduate school for many years, your references should come from supervisors, managers, clients, or others who know you through your work and professional activities. Choose people who can speak to your potential and interest in becoming a secondary school math teacher. If possible, find at least one person who can write about your mathematical or quantitative abilities. Professors from undergraduate, graduate or continuing education programs are also good sources. References may not be written by current MƒA SD Fellows or Mentors.
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PROGRAM INFORMATION
When does the program begin?
The MƒA SD Fellowship Program begins in August or September, depending on your university.
How many Fellowships are offered each year?
MƒA SD offers between 10 and 12 Fellowships each year, depending upon the quality of the application pool. Fellowships are evenly divided between the three partner universities.
How is my tuition paid?
Your tuition and fees are paid directly to your graduate university by MƒA SD.
How is my stipend paid?
Your stipend is paid to you through our partner universities by MƒA SD during your credential year(s). Upon completion of your credential program, MƒA SD will pay your stipend directly to you for the remainder of your Fellowship.
How long is the credential program?
Fellows attend a full-time teaching credential program for one year at San Diego State University and California State University San Marcos, beginning in August. MƒA SD will provide tuition and fees for applicants interested in receiving a Master’s in Education from SDSU or CSUSM in addition to their credential. Fellows attending UC San Diego will attend a combined, two year, Master’s in Education/Credential program.
Which universities work with MƒA SD?
Math for America San Diego has three partner universities: California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
What degree will I earn?
The first 1-2 years of the Fellowship are spent pursuing a California Single Subject mathematics teaching credential and the opportunity to earn a master’s degree. UCSD Fellows follow a combined, two-year Master of Education degree/Credential Program. CSUSM and SDSU Fellows earn their teaching credentials at the end of their first year and can continue to complete a master’s degree in the second year.
Must I meet the 18 units of mathematics requirement?
Although 18 units of undergraduate mathematics is helpful, MƒA SD takes into consideration each applicant’s background and professional skills. The Praxis II Math Exams’ scores provide another way to determine the applicant’s proficiency in mathematics
Do I have to be a full-time graduate student to complete my credential program?
Yes. The MƒA SD Fellowship program is specifically designed for 1-2 years of full-time graduate studies. MƒA SD Fellows benefit from interaction with each other through their university, student internships and teaching and Fellowship activities.
Why is the commitment five years?
The program by is dedicated to developing first-rate, highly effective mathematics teachers who are committed to teaching in high need schools. This process takes many years and considerable support.
What is the typical course of study?
The California Single Subject mathematics credentialing and degree coursework includes math content, student teaching and mathematics pedagogy. Please visit the partner universities’ websites (CSUSM, SDSU and UCSD) for additional information.
Will I do fieldwork and student teaching?
Yes. All partner university programs require either student teaching or an internship at the middle and high school level as part of the State of California teaching credential program.
I am an out-of-state student. Will MƒA SD pay for the higher tuition costs?
Yes. Math for America San Diego will pay for tuition and fees for out-of-state applicants who receive a fellowship.
What kinds of professional development opportunities are available?
During the course of the program, Fellows have access to a network of university faculty, departmental colleagues and MƒA SD Mentors at their school sites. They also attend summer institutes, mathematics seminars, and programs/conferences of professional associations.
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TEACHING IN SAN DIEGO SECONDARY SCHOOLS
What school districts work with MƒA SD?
MƒA SD has four partner school districts: Escondido Unified High
School District, Grossmont Unified High School District, Oceanside Unified High School District and San Diego Unified School District.
Where will I teach when I finish my secondary school mathematics credential?
MƒA SD Fellows are required to begin their teaching career in the San Diego area. Fellows are hired by MƒA SD partner school districts to teach in high need secondary schools.
Can I choose where I teach or will I be placed in a school?
The MƒA SD Fellows’ job search is an interactive process with the MƒA SD staff. MƒA SD works with partner school districts and Fellows to identify schools that will be a good match.
What level of math will I teach? Can I teach other subjects in addition to math?
The level of math you teach will depend on the needs of your school. High schools typically offer courses from Algebra I through Calculus. MƒA SD partner school districts hire Fellows exclusively to teach mathematics.
What is the starting salary of a beginning teacher in San Diego County?
New teachers with a California teaching credential start with an annual salary around $39,000. Beginning teachers with a master’s degree can earn $41,000 when they first start teaching and have a greater capability of increasing their pay scale as their career grows.
What support does MƒA SD provide to Fellows when they enter the classroom?
MƒA SD provides Fellows with an on–site, MƒA SD Mentor. This experienced mathematics professional will provide one on one mentoring, coaching and support to Fellows during their first four years of teaching. The goal of the MƒA SD Mentor/Fellow relationship is to help Fellows develop into successful, effective teachers.
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MISCELLANEOUS
What happens if I leave the program early?
MƒA SD asks Fellows to make a good faith commitment to remain in the program for the full five years. We recognize that life circumstances change, and emergency situations may require a Fellow to leave the program early. MƒA SD reviews each situation on a case-by-case basis. Fellows who leave the program early will be asked to pay back some or all of the stipends or tuition they have received.
If I am re-applying to MƒA SD, will I need to take the Praxis II Math Exams again?
MƒA SD keep Praxis score information on file for one year after you apply to the program. Typical Praxis scores for MƒA SD Fellows range from 150 to 180 on the Mathematics Content Knowledge test and from 175 to 190 on the Proofs, Models and Problems test. These are guidelines and Praxis scores are one of many components considered in your application. If you are satisfied with your scores, you do not need to take the test again.
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