Compare Popular Online Math Education Programs
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Step 1: Is This for Me?
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Step 2: Academic Preparation
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Step 3: Testing
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Step 4: Licensure and Beyond
Step 1: Is This for Me?
The teaching profession is not like most jobs. You must be dedicated to helping and teaching students beyond any other concerns. You are likely to spend very long hours grading and preparing lessons, endure difficulties in the classroom, and then wrangle with issues like a lack of teacher resources. However, if you love teaching and live for those special students who turn a corner while under your wing, then this is the profession for you.
As a dedicated mathematics teacher, you will likely work with students in middle school and above, so they will be a bit more autonomous than elementary students. Most math teachers won’t be burdened by much grading, as many math tests are graded by an electronic scanner. Nevertheless, you must feel the calling to teach. It’s a special profession that needs special people.
Step 2: Academic Preparation
All mathematics teachers must at least have completed a bachelor’s degree in education that includes an accredited, state-approved teacher preparation program. You should probably double major in education and mathematics, but that’s not always a requirement. State licensure requirements vary, but you will at least need to pass the subject area test for mathematics for your chosen age group or grade.
During your college years, you will need to complete a student teaching experience. Among seasoned professionals, student teaching is considered a vital rite of passage. During that term you will work with a mentor whose classroom you will overtake for a few weeks. You will also likely have a faculty mentor back on the university campus to help you organize lesson plans, handle classroom management issues, and more.
During your undergraduate years, work with an academic adviser to craft a course of study that will give you not only the pedagogical skill, but the subject-area expertise, you need to truly succeed.
Step 3: Testing
At some point later in your college years you will want to satisfy your state’s requirements for standardized testing. Most states require that you pass at least two tests: the PRAXIS I general skills test and then a PRAXIS II subject area examination that qualifies you to teach mathematics. Depending on your strength in mathematics, this examination should not be much trouble.
However, some aspiring teachers have found that their particular subject area test included obscure items that they were not prepared for. Luckily, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the company that administers the PRAXIS exams, provides ample study material. Further, you are sure to have fellow students above and below you who are sitting for that exam. Discuss the exam with your peers to see if you can glean any pointers. That is, should you spend most of your time brushing up on Algebra, or is the focus more on Geometry?
Also, math teacher should be aware that not every state uses these standardized national tests. Those states which do not use the PRAXIS exams, will instead use their own state tests or another national exam. You should still be able to find study material for any test you’ll need to take, but you’ll want to check with your states Board of Education to verify which test you’ll need to complete.
Step 4: Licensure and Beyond
Once you have successfully completed the academic and testing portion of the process, you should move forward to completing the rest of your application. Depending on your state, you will probably need a letter of recommendation from your education department, a background check, and the recommendation of a hiring principal. Sometimes you won’t be fully licensed until you land a job.
Math teacher first few years are likely to be spent on a conditional license. Some states may include a rigorous mentorship period that will help most math teachers gain a true mastery of the profession. Math teachers may also need to complete other requirements. Your university program should prepare you for these eventualities.
Once you’re licensed and an active, professional teacher, you will need to maintain your license with continuing education units (CEUs.) Nearly every state requires that teachers take a prescribed number of hours in Continuing Education. You will have to complete this requirement prior to the end of every licensure renewal period, else your license may lapse and thus jeopardize your ability to renew an employment contract. You can often take CEUs online, from a local community college, or even at teaching conferences. Your school district may also arrange CEU opportunities.
Career & Salary
Where Might You Work?
Mathematics Teachers can work in a variety of environments. You could work in public schools at the middle grades or high school level. Other teachers work in private schools and there are also teachers who work on military bases.
Public Schools:
With a state license, you can work for a state’s public schools. This option provides standardized pay rates and reliable work opportunities. You might also have union representation to help stabilize salaries and help you attain the resources you need.
Private Schools:
If you have a mathematics degree and love students, but haven’t completed a teacher preparation program, you might teach in a private school. Private schools offer greater flexibility in terms of curriculum and overall educational focus.
Charter Schools:
These institutions are offshoots of a state’s public-school system. You will probably still need a full state teaching credential, but you can find schools that focus on STEM subjects. Thus, you might work with students who are especially focused and motivated to learn math.
Military Bases:
If you have a state teaching credential, you can apply to teach in military schools worldwide. You will maintain your civilian status, but you can teach soldier’s children on bases across the nation and globe. This is a great opportunity for teachers who love travel and adventure.
College or University:
With a master’s degree, you can consider teaching at the post-secondary level. If your advanced degree is in mathematics, you will likely teach that. However, you could earn an M.Ed. and teach future mathematics educators.
Online:
There are more and more opportunities for teachers who wish to teach mathematics online. High school students who have had trouble in traditional classrooms now can take credits from home. You can also tutor students via an online medium. This way, students in underserved schools can receive higher level math courses than they could previously.