About Secondary Math Teacher Jobs

Modern technology requires high levels of math and science education. Consequently, secondary math teachers are in high demand in both public and private schools. A career as a math teacher can be a stable and rewarding one, but there are also some drawbacks.

Education and Licensing

Each state has its own requirements for teacher's education and licensing. In most instances, math teachers need to complete a teacher education program at a college or university. The program usually includes completing a bachelor's degree and education coursework. Programs often include practicum experience as a student teacher.

Some states have additional requirements for licensing. These include passing a standardized test in the subject and the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Many states offer alternative certification programs. These temporary certificates usually require a bachelor's degree and employment in a school district for a prescribed length of time.

Getting a Job

If you are interested in teaching math, contact the human resources department of the school district or private school. You will complete an application and might need to submit references and a transcript. After the school reviews your application, they may invite you for an interview with the human resources director. Most schools ask new hires to sign a contract.

Pros and Cons

Teaching is a rewarding and challenging career. Some of the advantages of being a math teacher are:

• 
  
  Educating and shaping the next generation;
  
  


• 
  
  Retirement and tenure in some schools;
  
  


• 
  
  Generous summer vacations and holidays; and
  
  


• 
  
  A degree of autonomy in the classroom.
  
  

There are some challenges with a math teaching career. While the disadvantages do not apply to every school and every position, be aware they do occur sometimes. These are:

• 
  
  Comparatively low salary;
  
  


• 
  
  Long work days, sometimes 12 hours or more;
  
  


• 
  
  Institutional bureaucracies;
  
  


• 
  
  Additional non-teaching assignments, such as a homeroom or cafeteria monitor; and
  
  


• 
  
  Low departmental budgets.