Mathematics Teachers

By attending your own middle school or high school math classes, you have already gained a good sense of the daily work of a math teacher. But the requirements of a teacher extend far beyond the classroom, so ask to spend some time with one of your teachers after school. Ask about their job, how they prepared for their career, and look at lecture notes and record-keeping procedures.

To get some direct teaching experience, volunteer for a peer tutoring program. Other teaching opportunities outside your school may exist in your community; look into coaching an athletic team at the YMCA, counseling at a summer camp, teaching a math course at a community center, or assisting with a community theater production. Regardless of what subject you teach, gaining this outside experience will give you a taste of what it feels like to instruct others.

Professional associations can also be great resources for aspiring teachers. The American Mathematical Society's Web site, https://www.ams.org, offers information on math careers, competitions, and publications. You may also find it helpful to read publications about this field offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (https://www.nctm.org/Publications/Publications-Main-Page) and work on "problems of the week" on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Web site (https://www.nctm.org/pows).