How to Become A Math Teacher

Key Stats
Education
Job Outlook

If you’re great with math, like to work with kids, and think that you would enjoy working in an educational setting then you might like to become a math teacher.

A math teacher teaches numeracy to students from the start of their schooling all the way up to their graduation.

While math is an important subject, it’s also one that many students struggle with.

As a math teacher, you have an opportunity to help your students gain these essential skills and really be their best.

While this role is challenging, it can also be very rewarding.

To become a math teacher, you’ll need to be a strong communicator, and also have a strong grasp of mathematics yourself.

You’ll need to be an approachable person that your students feel they can relate to, but also one that they will respect.

Education Requirements to Become a Math Teacher

You will need to complete a college degree to become a math teacher.

A four year mathematics degree is an ideal qualification for this role.

When you reach your sophomore year you will be able to elect an education specialization.

This will include teaching methodology and also a supervised practice component.

In most states, you are also able to complete a bridging program if you already have a degree in math, but do not have the necessary educational component.

These courses consist of just teaching methods and practice, and allow you to become a licensed teacher.

To become a math teacher in a public school you are required to be licensed.

To do this you must complete the necessary coursework, as well as an examination in literacy and numeracy skills.

In some places you will need to eventually complete a masters degree in education.

Private schools each set their own requirements in regard to teacher training.

to find out the exact requirements for licensure and accreditation in your state, refer to the NCATE website.

Math Teacher Job Description

When you become a math teacher you will divide you time between classroom teaching, marking work, administrative duties, and staff meetings.

You may also spend time working closely with students who need help, preparing lesson plans, or keeping in contact with parents.

Here are some of the duties of a math teacher:

• Planning lessons
• Classroom teaching
• Helping individual students
• Grading papers and assignments
• Disciplining students who require it
• Writing report cards
• Attending staff meetings
• Communicating with parents
• Communicating with other teaching staff

Math Teacher Salary and Career Path

When you become a math teacher, you can expect to achieve a starting salary of about $35,000 a year.

The median salary range for a teacher is $47,000 to $51,000 which is closer to what you might be paid after a few years of working in the field.

The highest paid teachers earn over $75,000 a year.

These teachers could be heads of departments, or in supervisory positions such as that of school principal.

Teachers in private schools typically get paid a lower salary than that of public school teachers and they often have access to greater benefits.

As a math teacher you may later move on to other roles within education.

You could become head of mathematics at a school, a leading teacher, or a school principal.

Some teachers earn additional money by coaching school sports, or supervising other activities.

Some jobs that are similar to math teacher that might interest you include:

• Elementary teacher
• High school teacher
• College professor
• Teacher assistant
• Librarian
• Education administrator
• Mathematician

When you become a math teacher, you are qualified for a role that offers secure employment as well as the possibility for advancement.

Working in an educational setting and helping children can also prove to be very rewarding.