Teaching math can be a challenging, rewarding career, and math teachers are always in demand. A bachelor's degree or master's degree in mathematics or education can lead to jobs in middle schools, high schools and community colleges. Many schools across the country offer college degree programs for math teachers.
Common Degree Programs for Math Teachers
To work as a math teacher in public schools, individuals must gain a state-approved teaching license. Each state has its own specific licensure requirements, but most demand that math teachers complete a bachelor's degree program as well as an approved education training program. Teachers at different educational levels, such as middle school, high school or college, will have different licensing requirements. To meet these requirements, aspiring math teachers might complete a bachelor's degree in mathematics education or a master's degree in mathematics education. They might also complete a bachelor's degree in mathematics while also working on teacher education program.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutDegreeProgramsForTeachingMath">Important Facts About Degree Programs for Teaching Math</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate levels</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Doctor programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possbile Careers </td><td> Math instruction at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Teaching College Mathematics, Quantitative Methods in Educational Research, Mathematical Ways of Knowing, Introduction to Qualitative Methods</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $61,820 (<i>High School Teachers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>5% (<i>High School Teachers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorOfArtsInMathematicsEducation">Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education</h3><p>A Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education degree program provides background in fundamental math subjects and the education training needed to become a math <a href="https://Learn.org/articles/High_School_Math_Teacher_Career_Summary_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">teacher</a>. Some schools offer separate mathematics education degrees for elementary school teachers and high school teachers. Beyond coursework, students gain field experience in teaching math. The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in math education includes these subjects:
</p><ul><li>Geometry
</li><li>Algebra
</li><li>Calculus
</li><li>Statistics and probability
</li></ul><h3 id="section---MasterOfEducationInMathematicsEducation">Master of Education in Mathematics Education</h3><p>A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Mathematics Education builds upon the lessons learned in the bachelor's degree program. It isn't usually required for teaching positions at secondary schools, but math teachers with an M.Ed. can earn higher salaries. A Master of Education degree is required for positions in school administration. Earning this degree qualifies graduates for new job opportunities related to teaching math:
</p><ul><li>Community college math teacher
</li><li>Private tutoring
</li><li>Museum or camp instructor
</li><li>Math curriculum designer
</li></ul><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreesInRelatedFields">Bachelor's Degrees in Related Fields</h3><p>Due to a shortage of qualified teachers, some states allow alternate routes to teacher certification. Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a field other than education can enter a program that provides teacher training and qualifies them for a teaching certificate. Such programs are for professionals who want to change careers or for recent graduates with strong academic performance. These related degrees could lead to a position teaching math:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
</li><li>Bachelor of Science in Biology
</li><li>Bachelor of Science in Physics</li></ul>
