What should I do to prepare for becoming a math teacher?(middle school)

Hi Gabriel,

Math teachers are typically certified through college or university teacher preparation programs, then licensed through the licensing arm of their state’s board of education. Although the licensing process varies somewhat from one state to the next, the minimum education requirement is always a bachelor’s degree in mathematics along with a teacher preparation program that involves courses in pedagogy, mathematics competency testing, and a student teaching component.

Some states certify math teachers for all grade levels (K-12), while others certify math teachers for specific student populations (elementary, middle, secondary) or grade ranges (5-12 or 6-8, for example). In states where math teachers are certified to teach a particular student population or grade range, colleges and universities offer teacher preparation programs specific to those populations or grade ranges.

Teacher preparation programs are often completed as part of specially designed bachelor’s programs that combine mathematics and pedagogy. However, many teacher preparation programs are also available at the post-bachelor’s and master’s level for aspiring math teachers that have already completed undergraduate work in mathematics.

Certification through a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics combined with a teacher preparation program is the typical starting point for a math teacher career.

Bachelor’s degrees specific to mathematics education include:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education with a concentration in math
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics with a focus on middle or secondary grades
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education with a concentration in math
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education with a concentration in math

Middle School Math Teacher:

• Most teachers can start specializing in instructing math at the middle school level. Middle school math teachers are responsible for preparing lectures, assigning homework and grading tests.

Education for a Math Teacher:

• Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in education with a concentration or specialization in teaching math. Some schools may offer programs specifically for those wishing to teach in middle school or high school, while other schools provide a comprehensive program, which allows teacher to teach at any grade level. Most programs begin with core courses in algebra, trigonometry and calculus. Other courses may include statistics and science.

Internship:

• Because most states require public school teachers to have some teaching experience, bachelor's degree programs usually include an internship or teaching practicum. These opportunities allow students to teach under the supervision of a licensed, professional teacher. Duties may range from assisting teachers with preparing math lectures to providing one-on-one student tutoring in a subject like geometry or calculus.

Sources: http://www.mathteacheredu.org/
http://study.com/articles/Math_Teacher_Educational_Requirements.html

Luck!!

Teaching involves a number of different skills and qualities whether public/private/charter. I would say the most important are:

1. People skills - being friendly and working well with others. You will need to be personable, caring, kind, friendly, compassionate, and understanding. These qualities make a great teacher. But you also need to be stern and firm in your directions, rules, and discipline
2. Public speaking - every day in your class you will need to be able to speak and present information to your students, practice speech, and practice fluency of language and talking in front of others
3. The subject you plan to teach - become a master of the subject you plan to teach, make sure you know as much as possible and learn as much as you can about the subject you plan to teach. Take as many classes as possible in this subject and learn everything you can about it.
4. Psychology & Human Development - start reading books and research articles on human development and psych. It will be helpful for you to know how people learn at different stages and the best ways to teach them at these stages (depending on stage of development and schema).