Mathematics Teacher Job Description, Career as a Mathematics Teacher, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree

Average Salary: $36,000 Annually

Job Outlook: Good

Job Description

A mathematics teacher instructs children of various ages on math disciplines. The curriculum itself depends on the age, grade, and level of the students, but it always centers around math concepts. Though the curriculum and specific lessons may vary a bit, the types of responsibilities are usually about the same.
A match teacher works to instruct students on the various concepts of math. They work to prepare the classroom on a daily basis, as this is a big part of the job. They will prepare their classroom at the beginning of the school year to ensure that all proper supplies and components are available. They will then work to keep the classroom updated and supply the students with the tools that they require to learn. Beyond that, they work with the students to understand their needs and their learning abilities and levels.
Math teachers work to prepare lessons plans each week. These are the plans that the curriculum and the individual lessons in the classroom will center around. These are an integral part of the curriculum as they will set up what the students will learn on a daily and weekly basis. This is what they use as their guideline for what they will teach in the classroom, as that’s an important aspect of teaching any discipline.
As any other kind of teacher would do, math teachers provide instruction on math principles, lessons, and curriculum. They teach their children about math and work to test their knowledge through homework assigned, and through quizzes and tests. They are then responsible for grading all of the work so that the students know where they fall, and what they need to improve upon.
One of the most important roles that a math teacher may play is that of a mentor. They work with their students on a close level, and therefore build relationships with them. Their students rely on them for the lessons, but also to help them when they are having problems. They have obligations to ensure that the children are safe and that classroom management ensures that all children are taken care of. They work with children who may have special needs or learning disabilities to ensure that they get the help that they may need.

Education and Training Requirements

The minimum level of education required for a mathematics teacher is a bachelor’s degree, though they often possess far more than that. Most states require that teachers either get a teaching certificate or license to be able to teach in their home state. This requires ongoing education to keep it current and up to date each year. Many teachers will go on for further education such as a master’s degree as this can really benefit them in their career, meaning more money and more potential opportunities.
Math teachers must keep current with their curriculum and therefore find that there are a lot of workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities throughout the school year. It’s important for teachers to stay up to date with their curriculum and their field, so this is an important part of the job. Additionally as math teachers work to keep their license or certificate current, they will need to fulfill certain educational or training requirements.

Getting the Job

Initially the best way to get a job is to have a bachelor’s degree in teaching, particularly if you have focused specifically within math. As teaches often need to have student teaching experience, any related within this particular field or curriculum can help them to get a job. Though educational background and student teaching experience is the most important thing to get the job initially, it quickly becomes about experience. A math teacher who has a great deal of experience in teaching students at a certain level or within math specifically usually has a much easier time of finding work. Those who have been at it for awhile may find it quite easy to find work as they move throughout their career.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Though there is always a need for teachers, it happens to be a rather competitive field as well. As many people want to be teachers, this can mean far more demand than there is opportunity. Those math teachers who have good solid experience, strong references and reputation, and relationships in place may find it easier to find future opportunities. There is always demand for teachers, but it all depends on the district and the number of teachers competing for a spot. Math teachers are focused on a specific niche or curriculum so that can make their chances easier when jobs like theirs come up. They may find that their experience working within math specifically allows them to focus in on the right opportunities when they arise.

Working Conditions and Environment

Typically math teachers tend to work in a standard classroom as other types of teachers do. They may have other responsibilities within their school such as in the cafeteria, in a math lab, or in the front office, but they can expect to spend much of their time in their individual classroom. This is also their office where they can expect to create their lesson plans and grade homework. For those teachers who are organized and on top of their lesson plans, then the stress level may be manageable. For those that struggle with getting work done in advance, there may be some stress involved in the job. There may be some occasional evenings for conferences, but the hours are usually quite reasonable. There may be additional causes for stress when a teacher isn’t doing well and the teacher has to talk to the parents.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for a mathematics teacher is around $36,000, however that is only an average. The more experience that a teacher has and the more tenure that they build up, the more their salary will increase. Those teachers working in specific geographical locations can expect to earn more as well. Teachers that have flexibility in what they can teach in terms of ages of children and curriculum within math have a better likelihood of earning more money as well. Math teachers typically earn a very generous benefits package including paid time off, health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and of course a retirement account.

Where to Go for More Information
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
1906 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1502
(703) 620-9840