How to become a high school math teacher

Introduction to the field

Before becoming a high school math teacher, licenses and certification are required in all fifty states. Most of the states want a subject area concentration as well as a major in education for teaching in high school. Some schools balance courses in math and education. In some other schools you will be required to complete all the courses of a full major in mathematics.

All certified teacher graduates are qualified for entry-level jobs in teaching. Being inexperienced can make it a lot easier to get a job.

Because of tight budgets, principal will be attracted to someone who does not have experience and is willing to accept a lower salary to start.

After you get the job, you normally continue to take continuing education classes to be eligible to renew your license and keep your job.

Failure to do so may result in the loss of your job at the discretion of the school board.

Check the Department of Education. Then, look for the DOE in your state and find out about the specific to renew your license.

You can be a certified high school math teacher even if you do not have a master in education. Many states will give you a test. The test is usually called "The Praxis Series."

If you pass the test, you will be eligible to receive a preliminary or provisional license. Usually, it is valid for three to five years depending on the state.

In the mean time, they expect you to take education classes to get your master.

If you are working full time, do not panic! Often times, education courses can be obtained in distance learning classes from the comfort of your home. Furthermore, many school districts will pay for your education. Therefore find the right one.

How to become a high school math teacher without certification.

A question that comes often is: " Is it possible to start teaching without state certification and with a bachelor in math?"

The answer is yes, in some circumstances. When states have difficulties keeping their teachers because of location and/or pay scale, they may give you a waiver. The waiver can be renewed with satisfactory progress.

Satisfactory progress means that you meed to show DOE and the school district that you are going to become certified soon, usually within a year or two.

Working condition of the high school math teacher.

Working condition can vary dramatically.A typical full time high school math teacher teaches perhaps as many as five or six classes a day.

The teacher may also have lunchroom or study hall supervision during the week. Teachers may also be responsible for after-school study club, math contest club, detention centers, or even a sport activity to supervise depending on contract or the school.

The most challenging element a high school math teacher may have to face is that of discipline in the classroom. You were a student yourself; you should know that attendance is not voluntary,so students display resistance and acting out is not uncommon.

If you want to be an effective teacher, it is imperative that you master classroom management.

The high school math teacher day is full. You will have a schedule that tell you what you will be doing from start to finish. However, you will have one or two planing time a day.

During that time, teachers are expected to plan lesson for the next day, keep grades, attendance, and progress reports in good standing.

When school is over, your work day is not over. Occasionally,teachers may have to accompany students on field trip.

When they finally get home, they may have some more planing to do for the next day.If you want to be a college professor instead, see professor for more information.