How to Become a High School Math Teacher

When considering a job in the education field, a high school math teacher is a really great choice. If you enjoy math and like being around kids, math teaching may be your dream job. One of the most exciting aspects of becoming a high school math teacher is there is a high demand for math teachers, so you may actually be able to land a job as a teacher.

The reason there is such high demand for math teachers is because not many people really enjoy doing math and especially teaching it. It takes a special kind of person with lots of patience to become a successful high school math teacher.

High School Math Teacher Requirements

Each state has their own individual teaching requirements and certification standards to become a high school math teacher. In general, all states require a high school math teacher to hold a bachelor's degree and be state certified in high school math to hold a teaching certificate.

The courses taken when enrolled in a teacher education program with a math focus would be the general education requirements, math courses at the upper levels and math methods courses.

Each candidate must go through a teacher education program where part of their program involves student teaching for approximately a semester in a high school math classroom and then the candidate would need to pass a state licensure test to be certified to teach high school math. A state will not grant a teaching certificate unless all the teacher certification requirements are met so it is really important to make sure that all required steps and actions are completed.

Although not required, a candidate with a master's degree in math education would always be beneficial as teaching positions can be competitive and any math coursework above the Bachelor's degree would give a leg up in obtaining a position.

Alternatives on How to Become a High School Math Teacher

Some states have alternative routes to obtaining high school math teacher certification as opposed to the standard route as mentioned above.

An example of an alternative route to high school math certification would be to hold a bachelor degree in any field and take the state subject matter examination, upon passing the examination, the candidate would be able to teach high school math.

It is really important to check with state's certification requirements as each state also has different requirements as to the alternative routes on how to become certified as a high school math teacher.