Mathematics is the study of numbers and their relationships with each other, their measurements, and their properties. Mathematics teachers are educated and trained professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in the mathematics field and are able to educate students in mathematics and their principles. Mathematics teachers’ other responsibilities include grading assignments and tests; preparing lessons to be taught in class; presenting lectures on mathematics; assisting students with coursework; evaluating students’ abilities and weaknesses; interacting with parents regarding their children’s progress in class; and teaching students in various subject areas within the mathematics field.
There are a number of skills and qualities which students, who are interested in this profession, must encompass in order to be successful as a mathematics teacher...Read More
Clearly, students must be proficient in mathematics. They should have an interest, even passion, for this subject area and understand its principles, concepts, and applications. Mathematics teachers must have exceptional communication skills and interact with their students in a respectful, courteous, and helpful manner. Mathematics teachers must have good presentation skills and speak clearly and thoroughly when lecturing. It would also be beneficial for mathematics teachers to be charismatic when presenting lessons since there may be some students who are indifferent to the topic. Listening to someone who is excited about the subject area may spark interest in those types of students.
Mathematics Degree Levels Available
Bachelor’s Degree in Education - specializing in Mathematics (B.Ed.)
A bachelor’s degree in education takes approximately four years to complete and upon graduation, students have acquired a solid groundwork of knowledge, sufficient for professional employment in the education field. Classroom management, curriculum planning, instructional methods, principles and history of mathematics, calculus, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics, differential equations, and foundation of teaching mathematics are just a few of the subject areas covered within these four years. Upon graduation, students must obtain certification or licensure in order to work professionally as a mathematics teacher.
Certification or Licensure as a Mathematics Teacher
Subsequent to the bachelor’s degree program in education, students must complete a teacher preparation program which allows applicants to gain on-the-job-experience, usually through student teaching. Applicants must pass a comprehensive examination in the subject area the applicant will be teaching in. Upon completion of these requirements, applicants may acquire certification or licensure as a mathematics teacher and work professionally.
Admission Requirements
For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree program in education include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. However, a bachelor’s degree in education may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who obtain a bachelor’s degree in education should enroll in a college or university accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
Average Annual Salary Range for Mathematics Teachers
The average annual salary range for mathematics teachers is $ 47,710 to $ 67,710 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Therefore, salaries for the same profession may vary from person to person.
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