How to Become a Math Teacher in 2024

Mathematics is a vast career field which is divided into different subject areas such as algebra, calculus, and trigonometry just to name a few. Math teachers are designated to help make the transition from grade level school to college much easier. They facilitate students in preparing for more advanced studies like engineering, science, and technology courses. Learn everything you need to know about degree options, career training, and licensing instructions to see if this is the career for you.

There’s so much more to a math teach than the job description that goes along with the occupation. Math teachers are in charge of helping students think critically about important concepts in mathematics. Additionally, mathematics can be very easily applied to a real-life scenario for a student. In many daily activities knowledge of mathematic concepts is a must, even if one does not pursue a profession that relies heavily on math. Math teachers will help students expand on their existing knowledge of the subject and help them tackle more advanced math concepts. Below are some day-to-day responsibilities of a math teacher: 

• Organize and manage their classroom – In order to properly run a classroom, you will need to gain the respect of your students and offer them the same respect. Additionally, you should set up your classroom in a way that is conducive to learning.
• Incorporate best practices and establish teaching goals – In order to be an effective teacher, you must be able to give your students the tools they need to pass your class and learn the material given to them.
• Plan lessons that align with teaching goals and standards – Utilize online tools and work with other teachers to help plan interesting and useful lessons that align to the certain goals and standards set by yourself and your school district. 
• Assign homework – In order for a student to succeed, they should take home practice problems and work on problem-solving outside of the classroom.
• Grade exams and assignments – Not only will this tell you who needs assistance in class or who is understanding the material, but the students will also be able to go over their work and figure out what they may have done wrong. 
• Determine grading standards and issue final grades – As a math teacher, you have the responsibility to make sure everyone is graded fairly and that they receive their final grades in an appropriate manner so they know what they received. 
• Work one-on-one with students who may need additional help – If you grade homework or exams and notice someone may not understand the content, offer to help them during office hours or at lunch. 

The future for teaching careers in math is extremely promising, especially now that there is an urgent need for hires in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) department.

Many job opportunities that await math enthusiasts are staggering; however, some states and subject areas have more urgent demands than others. For instance, Texas endured a statewide shortage for math teachers during the 2016-2017 school year.

In the future, schools are predicted to hire math education specialists where professionals will serve as a full-time math educator or coach for less-experienced elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. Given that you have complete, if not advanced credentials, there are lots of great opportunities that are yours for the taking.

Jumpstart your teaching career in science by completing the following steps:

1. Apply to our program. A degree is required by an accredited college or university, but it does not have to be in Education or in any other specific concentration. The application is free and an expert Program Advisor will answer all of your program questions and walk you through your path to certification.
2. Testing. Once you have chosen the area you wish to teach, you must pass the corresponding TExES content exam. We offer many test preparation courses that you can use to help you study once you are officially admitted into the program and have paid your low one time enrollment fee.
3. Online Training. Our teacher training is offered in an online format so that you can learn at your pace and on your schedule. The research-based curriculum is continually updated to provide the most effective and relevant preparation for teaching in today’s classroom.
4. Start Teaching! Once you’ve completed your training modules and passed your exams, we will provide you with a mentor for your first year of teaching.

Mathematics 4-8 – test prep provided
Mathematics 7-12 – test prep provided
Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6-12
Mathematics/Science 4-8 – test prep provided
Physics/Mathematics 7-12 – test prep provided

When looking to pursue teaching math, it’s important to align your expectations of what a math teacher salary may look like. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a math teacher is $87,980. The lowest 10% earn less than $39,740 and the highest 10% earn more than $97,500.

Table below shows current median salary of math teachers in major states in the US:

Source: Indeed.com

• More Than Just a Math Teacher by Sarah Carter
• What Should Math Teachers Do When They Don’t Know the Math? by Dan Meyer
• Teaching math through Coding by Dave Martin
• 89 lesson plans and ideas for teaching math by Vicki Davis