Math Teacher

Math teachers love mathematics and understand it well, but much more than that, they enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the language of numbers with students.

Summary

Math teachers use a variety of tools and techniques to help students grasp abstract concepts and show them that math describes the world around them. By helping students conquer fears and anxieties about math, teachers can open up many science and technology career possibilities for students.

Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in a subject, such as mathematics. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential and increasingly are asked to use new assessment methods. Teachers also grade papers, prepare report cards, and meet with parents and school staff to discuss a student’s academic progress or personal problems.

Many math teachers use a “hands-on” approach that uses "props" or "manipulatives" to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thought processes. For example, they teach the concepts of numbers or of addition and subtraction by playing board games. As the children get older, teachers use more sophisticated materials, such as science apparatus, cameras, or computers. They also encourage collaboration in solving problems by having students work in groups to discuss and solve problems together. To be prepared for success later in life, students must be able to interact with others, adapt to new technology, and think through problems logically.

Educational Requirements

Math teachers begin their careers by earning a bachelor's degree in math and completing a teacher preparation program. Some aspiring math teachers also earn a master's degree in math or education. Coursework includes upper-level math classes and teaching-methods classes. Before graduating, students must work in a high school math classroom under the supervision of a math teacher.

Salary Information 2022

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a Math Teacher in 2022 was $62,360.

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Information retrieved from Science Buddies: Math Teacher and We Use Math: Teacher, High School.