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What classes do I take to become an algebra teacher?

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Shelby’s Answer

Just like others are saying, a degree in a math related major or having experience can be the minimum to become a math teacher. However, I want to offer a somewhat different perspective. Some people have an innate talent at teaching. But I believe that most need some sort of training and education. Taking courses on adolescent development, classroom management, and teaching for diverse learners has taught me a lot about how to become not only an effective educator, but also an educator who understands students. People who think it is easy to teach either have that innate talent or are not giving their students the most effective instruction. I have had numerous people tell me that their professors have no idea how to teach because they are professionals in their subject, but they have never learned anything about education. Therefore, I adamantly suggest taking courses that gear towards young people's development and educational practices.
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Simeon’s Answer

Aside from taking the necessary math courses, you should be fine doing the normal certification process for becoming a grade school teacher and taking your state's competency examination for math. Also, make sure that you get some experience student teaching or substitute teaching early on to get a sense of if the job is a good fit for you!
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Monica’s Answer

Great question!! I would recommend the 1st year of college to take all of your basic courses. Sometimes, when starting college, they may recommend to take a prerequisite course before diving into your major. Now, since algebra is the course you desire to teach, which is a high school course. Then, I would recommend taking your secondary educational courses as well as the higher math courses, such as Algebra, Statistics and Probability, Calculus I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry. Then, there are some elective course you could take like History of Mathematics ( this was one of my favorite). Although, algebra is your focus, you will need to know about the other courses to take the secondary mathematics test (in some call it the Praxis). I would highly encourage to volunteer in different extra circular activities that involve teach or tutoring high school students before college and during college. This is recommended because as college students we sometimes change our minds on our major several times. And, you may want to also teach middle or elementary math. I am really glad you have chosen to teach our children Algebra I know you will love it.

Monica recommends the following next steps:

Speak to you your counselor about courses
Volunteer in the community with high school students
Volunteer with elementary and middle school students in school setting
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Sean’s Answer

Actually none in Texas. All you need to teach algebra or anything as a public school teacher is a teaching certification that says you know algebra. Whether your degree in college relates is immaterial. Now having a degree or classes related to algebra won't hurt you in fact it would help you in securing a position as a teacher.

Take me for example I taught elementary special education and was transferred to third grade math and I had a degree not related to anything that would help me teach it or understand what I was doing. What I had was a certification that said I knew what I was doing and a unrelated degree.

In summary you don't need need a degree related to your teaching field, you need a certification and that is it. The degree in mathematics only helps get you hired and understand the material. Also, if you do get hired to teach mathematics algebra might not be the only course you teach. Remedial math and higher math could be in the cards so brush up on your understanding of those. Finally, take courses on how to teach as well if your in college. Many teachers are woefully under prepared for the realities of the classroom and the bureaucracy of education.
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Javier’s Answer

In order to become an algebra teacher, you will need a specific degree in maths or doing an engineering because in the first courses you will learn algebra.
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