Becoming a Math Educator
An MEd Provides More Job Opportunity for Math Teachers
As student math scores continue to rise on exams across the nation, educators who are interested in learning how to become a math teacher are likely to soon be instructing a student body that has shown marked improvement in the last few years. In addition to becoming part of this encouraging education climate, math teachers are also in higher demand and also have more job prospects than some other educators. The first step to pursuing a career as a math teacher is obtaining your Masters in Education from a reputable institute that features a Math Education specialization, like the program offered at the University of Cincinnati. With a focused graduate degree, math teachers broaden their opportunities for career advancement.
How to Become a Math Teacher
Mathematics is a rewarding field choice for many educators because of how it relates to the real world. In order to become the best possible math teacher, you’ll want to pursue the best possible education. For many, the cost of the time spent pursuing a degree is actually greater than the cost of the degree. But advancements in technology have validated the quality of online degree programs, which can be more affordable and are definitely more flexible than traditional degree programs. Selecting the best online degree can be tricky, though, since there are an ever-increasing number of programs available.
When you’re considering an online Masters in Education, pay attention to their admissions requirements and their accreditation, because they can differ depending on the school. For example, at the University of Cincinnati, their online Master of Education program requires a GRE score, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and three letters of recommendation. By understanding what schools require, you can move more quickly through the application process. The most important distinction between programs, however, is their accreditation. To ensure the value of the program and quality of the education offered is balanced, look for regionally accredited schools by one of these organizations:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Association of Accredited Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The next step in becoming a math teacher is in certification. Depending on the state you want to teach in, you’ll need to meet state requirements for licensure. Go to your state’s department of education website to see what requirements you must fulfill. Although Masters in Education programs don’t typically include teacher certification, some programs, like the University of Cincinnati’s master’s degree, do prepare students for their own state’s exams.
One of the greatest benefits of online degree programs is that they can be completed from any location, meaning educators are no longer limited to the programs offered by schools close to them. This increases your options and allows you access to programs that meet your specific needs and interests. However, it’s important to consider how your state certifies teachers when choosing a Masters in Education program.
Most states require educators to pass the Praxis II exams in the disciplines they wish to teach, but not every state uses the Praxis II exam for licensure. Some states require educators to take different state exams. Check out the Praxis State Requirements page to see what your state’s requirements are. These licensing exams are taken periodically throughout your career in order to keep educators fresh for the classroom.
For those who are looking to get into teaching and have an undergraduate degree with a liberal arts focus, you will likely have to take state-required courses to become licensed in addition to passing exams. Look for opportunities where you can get classroom experience, as most master’s degree programs require teaching experience as part of the admissions process. Since many states are now requiring a master’s degree to become a teacher, it’s important to begin the process as early as possible to start developing your professional credentials.
Benefits of an Online Masters in Education Degree
Because educators can complete their coursework on their own schedules, online degree programs are the perfect solution to the working teacher’s dilemma when it comes to furthering their education. They can balance their careers with class work while implementing the lessons they learn directly into their own classrooms. By finding specialized degrees, like the Math Specialist concentration of the Master of Education offered by the University of Cincinnati, educators can filter out classes they don’t need and focus on the ones they do, while also updating their understanding of current education law and new technologies.
