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What does a Math Teacher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A math teacher is someone who teaches mathematics to students in a school setting.

Math Teacher job duties include:

  • Plan and prepare lessons and instructional materials to meet the needs of all students.
  • Instruct students in math concepts using a variety of methods including hands-on activities, lectures, discussions, and technology-based instruction.
  • Adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual students and small groups.
  • Evaluate student understanding and progress on a regular basis and provide feedback.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records.
  • Communicate with parents/guardians about student progress and behavior.
  • Collaborate with other teachers and school staff to ensure that all students are receiving the best education possible.
  • Attend professional development workshops and conferences to stay up-to-date on new teaching methods.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by school administrators.

Math Teacher Job Requirements

Most math teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, although some jobs may require a master’s degree or higher. Many teachers also complete a teaching certification program. In most states, math teachers must be certified to teach at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Some states require math teachers to complete a certain amount of professional development credits every year to stay certified. Math teachers typically have several years of teaching experience before they are considered for tenure, which is an indicator of job security.

Math Teacher Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Dedication
  • Passion for Math
  • Ability to Make Math Interesting
  • Knowledge of Different Learning Styles
  • Classroom Management
  • Differentiation
  • Technology Integration
  • Problem-Solving

Related: Top Math Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Math Teacher

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a math teacher. Maybe they loved math when they were in school and want to share that love with their students. Maybe they didn’t love math but recognize its importance and want to help their students overcome any struggles they might have with the subject. Whatever the reason, there are a few things anyone interested in becoming a math teacher should keep in mind.

First, it’s important to get a degree in mathematics. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, but many teachers get master’s degrees or even PhDs in mathematics. This not only gives them the knowledge they need to teach math, but also shows potential employers that they are serious about their career.

Second, it’s important to be patient and understand that not all students learn at the same pace. It can be frustrating for both teachers and students when a concept isn’t clicking, but it’s important to keep trying different approaches until something works.

Third, it’s important to be able to explain concepts in multiple ways. Some students will understand a concept better if it’s explained visually, while others will need more of an auditory explanation. Being able to adapt your teaching style to each individual student will help them succeed.

Fourth, it’s important to be organized and have a well-planned lesson. Students will quickly become frustrated if they feel like they are wasting their time or if the material is all over the place. Having a clear plan for each lesson will help keep everyone on track.

Finally, it’s important to enjoy what you do! If you don’t love teaching math, your students will be able to tell and it will make learning much harder for them. Find ways to make the material fun and engaging, and your students will be more likely to succeed.

Related: Math Teacher Resume Example

Related: Math Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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