Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
Majors Overview November 15, 2014Secondary teachers may enroll in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Mathematics to prepare for the education of high school and middle school students; state-specific teaching certifications are usually offered as well. In order to graduate from these programs, students will need to fulfill professional education, mathematics education, and general education requirements.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers complete specialized coursework in subject areas such as computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They are also expected to complete general education classes in subject areas such as natural sciences and humanities.
Internships and field requirements are also included in the coursework requirements for most bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics for secondary teachers. Most of these bachelor’s programs don’t have any specific prerequisites for incoming students to satisfy before they are allowed to begin core coursework.
Candidates commonly complete field experiences in classroom settings, thereby being able to effect some routine duties of a classroom teacher. They usually complete an internship toward the end of the program tenure.
Full-time assignments at schools are usually given to interns, which last about 12 weeks and require them to plan lessons for, observe, instruct, and evaluate students while working alongside the regular classroom teacher.
Coursework
Many institutions of secondary education offer four-year degree programs in mathematics for secondary teachers in both on-campus and online formats. Common coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Techniques and practices of classroom management
•Mathematical analysis for teachers
•Methods for teaching math in secondary schools
•Educational psychology
•Introductory number theory
Job and Wage Outlook
A slower-than-average job growth rate of 7% has been predicted for secondary school teachers over the 2010 – 2020 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, secondary school teachers brought home an average annual wage of $58,260 (BLS).
Licensure and Continuing Education Options
Licensure is mandatory for teachers in all states. Licensure can be obtained by earning a bachelor’s degree and completing a teaching practice period, in addition to the passage of an exam.
A special subject-area license in math can be pursued by individuals interested in teaching mathematics at secondary schools. Some individuals may prefer to begin working as teachers by obtaining a license and subsequently pursuing a master’s degree.
Apart from earning a master’s or doctorate degree in education or a related field, bachelor’s degree graduates may consider enrolling in continuing education classes, thereby updating their skills and discovering new teaching methods while simultaneously studying topic areas, such as current developments in math education, and teaching mathematics through an activity approach.
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