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As a math teacher, what is the most difficult grade or subject to teach?
I am considering being a math teacher, and I am trying to decide what grade I would like to teach. I think I would enjoy teaching high school students because it is more difficult and complex math. I also think I would like it because I like a challenge and I know not everyone learns the same. #teacher #math #teaching #education
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Cailin’s Answer
Hi Lucy.
Thank you for reaching out!
I'm providing an answer from the perspective of a recent college graduate working as a substitute teacher so I'm not entirely sure how different it would be as a full time teacher but I personally love high school aged kids over K-8.
I'm not a big math person when it comes to anything above algebra or geometry so I would imagine high level math would be most difficult to teach. However, with higher level math you're more likely to get students who are good at math and will probably be able to catch on faster. If you're not typically a patient person or you don't like to explain the same thing 10 different ways, working with older and more advanced kids might be the best option for you. I imagine what you may consider most difficult will be completely different from what others consider most difficult. It all depends on your skill level, personality, and personal preferences!
I have been told higher ed new teachers get the "slim pickings" when it comes to what math classes they teach as other teachers who have been there longer select what they prefer and new teachers get either what's left or what's needed. If you're lucky, what you want is either unpopular with other teachers or popular with students. I can't remember where I heard this, but it's something to consider!
Best of luck!
Thank you for reaching out!
I'm providing an answer from the perspective of a recent college graduate working as a substitute teacher so I'm not entirely sure how different it would be as a full time teacher but I personally love high school aged kids over K-8.
I'm not a big math person when it comes to anything above algebra or geometry so I would imagine high level math would be most difficult to teach. However, with higher level math you're more likely to get students who are good at math and will probably be able to catch on faster. If you're not typically a patient person or you don't like to explain the same thing 10 different ways, working with older and more advanced kids might be the best option for you. I imagine what you may consider most difficult will be completely different from what others consider most difficult. It all depends on your skill level, personality, and personal preferences!
I have been told higher ed new teachers get the "slim pickings" when it comes to what math classes they teach as other teachers who have been there longer select what they prefer and new teachers get either what's left or what's needed. If you're lucky, what you want is either unpopular with other teachers or popular with students. I can't remember where I heard this, but it's something to consider!
Best of luck!
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Jessalyn’s Answer
Just some perspective from a Geometry teacher who ended my teaching career as an Algebra 1 teacher and taught two more subjects in between! Most schools will have math teachers teach multiple subjects. Most certification tests to be a high school math teacher will certify you for all subjects! You'll have the opportunity to teach multiple math subjects if you'd like. One more thing to think about is that some math subjects are going to be more difficult because they are state-tested. They're not harder for the reasons you may think! It's not the content that's difficult. It's the extra pressure you may receive from administration and the district. If you really want a challenge, teach those state-tested subjects and don't worry about the test score! Take on the pressure, and worry about what really matters: that your students learn, no matter where they're starting from entering your classroom.