Learn about the education and certification requirements for becoming a middle school math teacher. Get information about online programs, and examine the expectations for employment growth and salaries in this profession.
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Middle School Math Teacher?
Middle school math teachers typically complete a math education bachelor's degree program or a teacher training program in conjunction with a math major. These programs include methods courses for teaching algebra and geometry. You'll also study topics in multicultural education, educational psychology and adolescent development. The last semesters are spent completing a supervised teaching internship in a nearby middle school.
If you currently hold a bachelor's degree in math but haven't completed a teacher training program, graduate certificate and master's degree programs in mathematics education are also available. Certificate programs include education course topics similar to those found in bachelor's degree programs. Master's degree programs contain extra coursework in areas such as educational research, curriculum assessment and technology literacy. Both will require you to complete a teaching internship.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Requirements</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree in either math education or in math with a teacher training program; can also complete a master's degree or certificate program in math education</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td>Licenses are issued by each state's board of education; you may be required to pass tests in your subject area</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Can earn professional certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>Online programs are available, though you must still complete an internship or student teaching experience in a school</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$60,810* (<i>for all middle school teachers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>4% (<i>for all middle school teachers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIEarnALicense">How Do I Earn a License?</h3><p>You can apply for your teaching license from your state board of education after you've completed your mathematics education bachelor's degree, graduate certificate or master's degree program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), after submitting copies of your transcripts, many states also require you pass tests in your subject area and basic teaching skills (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). You may also be required to take continuing education courses for license renewal.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAboutCertification">What About Certification?</h3><p>Although typically not required, you may want to earn professional certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Applicants who pass a written exam and submit a portfolio including student work and video recorded class sessions can receive the Adolescence and Young Adulthood credential for mathematics. Benefits of certification may include the ability to receive reciprocity for your teaching license in other states.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3><p>If attending school on campus is making your goal of becoming a middle school math teacher difficult, you may be able to earn your graduate degree or certificate online. The main requirement for distance learning is a computer with an Internet connection and an e-mail account so you can access course content via chat rooms, discussion boards and video streaming.
</p><p>You will still need to complete teaching internships on a middle school campus. Some programs may also require you to present final projects or complete oral and written exams on campus.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheCareerOutlook">What's the Career Outlook?</h3><p>The BLS stated that middle school teachers could see an employment growth of 4% from 2019-2029. As of May 2020, middle school teachers earned an annual median salary of $60,810.</p>
