The teaching career not only interesting but also important mainly due to the number of lives it impacts. For this reason, holders of multiple and single subject credentials may need to add additional authorizations. Among the most common terms that one may come across in the process are subject matter authorization and supplementary authorization. Although both enable a tutor to get more credentials, they have differences as listed below.

What is Subject Matter Authorization?

These are add-ons to individual credentials that allow a person to teach in a subject other than ones where she has earned credentials. They are only limited to core academic subjects including economics, English, science, mathematics, civics, foreign language, geography, history, and arts.

What is Supplementary Authorization?

Regulated since the year 1979, supplementary authorization enables a single subject credential holder to add one or more subjects as a supplementary authorization.

It is classified into:

• Introductory supplementary- With this, the holder can teach at any stage included in the curriculum for grades 9 and below.
• Specific supplementary- With this, the owner is authorized to teach in classes specially organized for adults as well as specific grades including preschool, kindergarten-12.

Similarities between Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Authorization

• Both enable a tutor to get more credentials

Differences between Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Authorization

Definition

Subject matter authorization refers to add-ons to individual credentials that allow a person to teach in a subject other than ones where she has earned credentials. On the other hand, supplementary authorization enables a single subject credential holder to add one or more subjects as a supplementary authorization.

Subjects

While Subject matter authorization is limited to core academic subjects including economics, English, science, mathematics, civics, foreign language, geography, history, and arts, supplementary authorization has no subject limitations.

Subject Matter Authorization vs. Supplementary Authorization: Comparison Table

Summary of Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Authorization

Subject matter authorization refers to add-ons to individual credentials that allow a person to teach in a subject other than ones where she has earned credentials. It is limited to core academic subjects including economics, English, science, mathematics, civics, foreign language, geography, history and arts. On the other hand, supplementary authorization enables a single subject credential holder to add one or more subjects as a supplementary authorization and has no subject limitations.

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