If you have a math major, seriously consider becoming a math teacher

Introduction to the field:


If becoming a math teacher is a appealing to you, Then you are to be commanded. Along with fire fighter, doctors, teachers are held in high esteem.

Certainly, your teachers have obviously instilled in you a strong desire to major in math and they probably conveyed to you how challenging yet rewarding a career in teaching math can be. Your teachers are to be commanded for that too.

Now, more than ever math teacher are in high demand. Therefore, it can be easy to find a job because many schools all over the country are looking for highly qualified teacher. If you are looking forward to becoming a math teacher, go for it!


The teaching challenge:


Knowing math and teaching math do not always go hand in hand.If you talk to any teacher, they would probably tell you that good teaching of math,or any other subjects is about communicating to your students.

Therefore, before you make a decision,you should ask yourself the following questions:

Can I teach math? Can I instill appreciation and enjoyment of a daunting subject in all its myriads forms?

This is very important because good teachers concern themselves not with the subject area but with students.

In fact, teachers spend as much time teaching as communicating and teaching students values to their students.

You will also realize that simply having a love for math is not enough, although this is something very important to have. On the other hand, if you hate math, one can even question your qualifications on the subject.

Teaching include a varieties of skills, such as classroom management, organization, empathy and many others. Furthermore, teachers must follow the curriculum according to strict guidelines.


Getting the job:


To become a high school math teacher or a middle school math teacher , most states require certification. To become a certified math teacher, one needs to take tests and pursue a master in education.

Every states has it own requirements and criteria. In the state of New York, the test is called NYSTCE. You can visit the following website to get more information: NYSTCE

In the state of Massachusetts, the test is called MTEL. The website to visit for more information is MTEL

No matter where you take the tests, it is intended to measure communication and writing skills, and a solid understanding of the subject(s)we want to teach.

The test is given several times a year and then be taken many times until a passing score is achieved.

Anyway, your chance of becoming a math teacher is probably higher compared to your chance of becoming an actuary.

Passing the tests usually one to receive a provisional license that is valid for 3 to 5 years depending on the state.In order to have a professional license, a master in education is required.

A good place to start to find out what is required for each state is DOE.

It contains useful information to get everyone started on the right path.

Often times, you will hear references to the NATIONAL TEACHER EXAMINATION. It is known by many as the Praxis Series.

Many school districts ask teachers to report their scores on this as part of the application process.

As said before, your first step is to consult the state department of education for information about the tests needed in a particular state.

Current state-by-state information can be found on the Praxis Series website at The Praxis Series.

You can also decide that you will make a career as a professor. The path is longer, but the reward is immense if you are willing to put forth the effort in becoming a math teacher in college or at the university.