Can I Teach Math Without a Math Degree?

Requirements for Math Teachers

Anyone who wants to become a public school teacher in the United States must have a teaching license in the state where they intend to work.

While some requirements for licensure may vary for specific types of teachers or in different states, there are a few baseline requirements that must be met for all teachers.

All teachers must have:

• A bachelor's degree
• Complete a teaching certification program
• Student teaching experience
• Pass a background check
• Pass state-mandated examinations

The degree and teaching certification programs can overlap or be done separately.

If you think you can teach math without a math degree, you can complete a bachelor's education program or an unrelated bachelor's program alongside a teaching program, but you will also have to pass a subject mastery exam for mathematics.

You also have the option to pursue a graduate degree in education if you've already completed a bachelor's program and still want an education-related degree.

Requirements for Different Grade Levels

While teaching in general often has the same requirements, teaching specific grade levels can have different requirements even for the same kind of teacher.

For example, educators who want to complete the NC TEACH Math program offered through North Carolina State University - a program that allows aspiring teachers to complete a residency for 6th to 9th-grade and 9th to 12th-grade math - must have at least 24 credit hours of math or statistics courses completed.

Specific math courses educators in the NC TEACH program have to complete include:

• Geometry
• Linear Algebra
• Abstract Algebra
• Statistics and Probability
• Calculus I
• Calculus II

Math teachers who intend to teach elementary school-aged children often do not have to complete complex courses like calculus to be eligible to teach their desired age group.

While some specific courses may be required to become a math teacher, there are a variety of degrees that you can complete

Degrees You Can Get to Teach Math

'So if I can teach math without a math degree, what degrees can I teach math with?' is the obvious follow-up question when you find out you don't need a math degree to teach math, but you do need a bachelor's degree.

Ideally, you'd want a teaching degree if you don't have a math degree, and teaching degrees range from bachelor's degrees in elementary education to master's degrees in reading.

If you want an education-specific degree for teaching, here are some options:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary school education
• Middle school education
• Secondary education
• Special education
• Master of Science (M.S.) or Arts (M.S.) in teaching
• Doctoral degree in education

While teaching degrees are the best option for a math teacher who doesn't have a math degree, nearly any bachelor's program is acceptable as long as you also complete a teacher certification program as required by your state.

Steps to Become a Math Teacher Without a Math Degree

Now that you know you don't need a math degree to become a math teacher, as well as what teaching requirements you still have to meet, here's a simplified list of what you need to do to become a math teacher.

Get a Degree

First and foremost, you need a bachelor's degree if you don't already have one.

You can also pursue a graduate degree if that will help advance your career and give you more teaching opportunities.

Even if you don't have or need a math degree, you will need to take some math courses during your degree program to meet later mastery requirements.

Get Teaching Experience

Next, you need some teaching experience.

Through a combination of related jobs like daycare work, student teaching opportunities, and a teacher certification program, you'll get all the experience you need to meet state requirements for certification and licensure.

Pass Certification and Licensure Exams

Once you have all of your required education, you can complete the exams your state requires.

These can include the Praxis, a state-specific exam, and sometimes subject mastery exams for those teaching core subjects like history, English, science, and math.

Get Any Additional Experience, Education, or Certifications You Need to Advance

While you don't need any additional experience, education, or licensure outside of what your state requires, including related positions and additional certifications related to teaching on your resume can help you become a more competitive candidate.

This can be especially helpful if you want to advance later in your teaching career.

Begin Searching for Jobs

Now that you have the proper education, licensure, experience, and a full resume, you can start applying for teaching positions in math.

Review your offers carefully, and choose the positions that best suit your needs and desires so you can become a math teacher without having to complete a math degree.

Find a Degree That Can Help You Become a Math Teacher Today

Now that you know you can teach math without a math degree, it's time to find or use your bachelor's program to become a math teacher in your state.

Learn.org can help you discover your ideal degree, prepare for teacher certification, and become a math teacher today.