2 answers
Miley
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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What advice do you have for someone who is going to be a Math Teacher?
I'm a high school student who wants to get her Master's degree in Mathematics.
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Miley,
I want to tell you a story, as a word of caution. It's not meant to say "no, don't do it" but to help you maybe give it some more thought from different perspectives.
I used to work at a Workforce Office, helping people find jobs. One day in October, a man came in, wanting help in finding a new job. He was married, and, he and his wife were expecting their first child. He was currently employed full-time as a HS math teacher. It was his first year teaching. He had his Master's degree, in Mathematics Education. He wanted out. Bad!
He had gone straight from HS to 4 yr degree to Master's Degree. I asked him what was wrong. In his words, "the smart kids don't need me, and the rest won't listen."
My takeaway advice:
1. make sure you understand what the job entails. Teaching is HARD. You have parents, peers, administration, and students all making demands of you.
2. Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge. Successful teachers find a way to reach even the disinterested students.
3. It's difficult starting both a career and a family at the same time.
4. I have wanted to quit every new job on day one. Try to give something new a fair try - 2 years, perhaps?
5. Finally, do NOT go straight through to your Masters. Get some teaching under your belt, make sure it's the right step. Besides, perhaps your school will provide tuition assistance for you to get your Masters.
6. Oh, and try to do everything you can to put yourself in different situations with students now. Be it tutoring younger grades, volunteering at the library, teaching Sunday school, or whatever.
I sincerely thank you for wanting to be a math teacher! I love Math, and think having had some really great teachers made a big difference in my life!
Kim
I want to tell you a story, as a word of caution. It's not meant to say "no, don't do it" but to help you maybe give it some more thought from different perspectives.
I used to work at a Workforce Office, helping people find jobs. One day in October, a man came in, wanting help in finding a new job. He was married, and, he and his wife were expecting their first child. He was currently employed full-time as a HS math teacher. It was his first year teaching. He had his Master's degree, in Mathematics Education. He wanted out. Bad!
He had gone straight from HS to 4 yr degree to Master's Degree. I asked him what was wrong. In his words, "the smart kids don't need me, and the rest won't listen."
My takeaway advice:
1. make sure you understand what the job entails. Teaching is HARD. You have parents, peers, administration, and students all making demands of you.
2. Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge. Successful teachers find a way to reach even the disinterested students.
3. It's difficult starting both a career and a family at the same time.
4. I have wanted to quit every new job on day one. Try to give something new a fair try - 2 years, perhaps?
5. Finally, do NOT go straight through to your Masters. Get some teaching under your belt, make sure it's the right step. Besides, perhaps your school will provide tuition assistance for you to get your Masters.
6. Oh, and try to do everything you can to put yourself in different situations with students now. Be it tutoring younger grades, volunteering at the library, teaching Sunday school, or whatever.
I sincerely thank you for wanting to be a math teacher! I love Math, and think having had some really great teachers made a big difference in my life!
Kim
Adesola Adetunji
PhD student
3
Answers
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Updated
Adesola’s Answer
Choosing to become a math teacher is a wonderful and fulfilling career path. Here are some friendly tips to help you on your journey to becoming a math teacher:
Start with a Degree in Mathematics: Begin your journey at any university by pursuing a degree in Mathematics. Once you've graduated, make sure to get the necessary certifications to teach math.
Master Your Subject: As you're aiming for a Master's degree in Mathematics, it's important to really get to grips with the subject. Make sure you understand the key ideas, theories, and ways to solve problems. Stay interested and involved in the subject, and don't be shy about asking for help or additional resources if you need them.
Gain Teaching Experience: Try to find opportunities to gain experience in teaching or tutoring. You could volunteer at local schools, community centers, or after-school programs to help with math instruction. Teaching others will not only reinforce your own understanding of the subject, but also give you valuable experience in explaining mathematical concepts effectively.
Learn from Experienced Teachers: Spend some time observing experienced math teachers in action. You can learn a great deal by watching how they interact with students, present material, and manage their classrooms. Keep an eye on teaching strategies, instructional methods, and classroom management techniques that you feel would work well with your own teaching style.
Improve Your Communication Skills: Good communication is key when it comes to teaching math. Practice explaining mathematical concepts in a clear and concise way, using language that your future students will understand. Be patient and supportive with students who may find math difficult, and create a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and able to succeed.
Stay Up-to-Date with Education Trends: Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in math education. Attend workshops, conferences, or professional development opportunities focused on math instruction. Stay informed about advancements in educational technology, innovative teaching methods, and research-based strategies for effective math teaching.
Foster a Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset and encourage your students to do the same. Understand that learning math is a journey that requires effort, determination, and resilience. Highlight the importance of making mistakes, seeking feedback, and persisting through challenges as key parts of the learning process.
Build Strong Relationships: Form positive relationships with your students based on trust, respect, and empathy. Get to know your students as individuals, understand their unique strengths and needs, and adapt your instruction to meet them where they are. Show genuine interest in their learning and well-being, and provide support and encouragement to help them reach their full potential in math and beyond.
By following these friendly tips and continuing to pursue your love for math and teaching, you'll be well-prepared to make a positive impact as a math teacher and inspire your students to develop a deeper love for the subject.
Start with a Degree in Mathematics: Begin your journey at any university by pursuing a degree in Mathematics. Once you've graduated, make sure to get the necessary certifications to teach math.
Master Your Subject: As you're aiming for a Master's degree in Mathematics, it's important to really get to grips with the subject. Make sure you understand the key ideas, theories, and ways to solve problems. Stay interested and involved in the subject, and don't be shy about asking for help or additional resources if you need them.
Gain Teaching Experience: Try to find opportunities to gain experience in teaching or tutoring. You could volunteer at local schools, community centers, or after-school programs to help with math instruction. Teaching others will not only reinforce your own understanding of the subject, but also give you valuable experience in explaining mathematical concepts effectively.
Learn from Experienced Teachers: Spend some time observing experienced math teachers in action. You can learn a great deal by watching how they interact with students, present material, and manage their classrooms. Keep an eye on teaching strategies, instructional methods, and classroom management techniques that you feel would work well with your own teaching style.
Improve Your Communication Skills: Good communication is key when it comes to teaching math. Practice explaining mathematical concepts in a clear and concise way, using language that your future students will understand. Be patient and supportive with students who may find math difficult, and create a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and able to succeed.
Stay Up-to-Date with Education Trends: Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in math education. Attend workshops, conferences, or professional development opportunities focused on math instruction. Stay informed about advancements in educational technology, innovative teaching methods, and research-based strategies for effective math teaching.
Foster a Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset and encourage your students to do the same. Understand that learning math is a journey that requires effort, determination, and resilience. Highlight the importance of making mistakes, seeking feedback, and persisting through challenges as key parts of the learning process.
Build Strong Relationships: Form positive relationships with your students based on trust, respect, and empathy. Get to know your students as individuals, understand their unique strengths and needs, and adapt your instruction to meet them where they are. Show genuine interest in their learning and well-being, and provide support and encouragement to help them reach their full potential in math and beyond.
By following these friendly tips and continuing to pursue your love for math and teaching, you'll be well-prepared to make a positive impact as a math teacher and inspire your students to develop a deeper love for the subject.