Although the job of the math teacher is not physically strenuous, it can be tiring and trying. Teachers must stand for many hours each day, do a lot of talking, show energy and enthusiasm, and handle discipline problems. Despite this often trying task, they also have the reward of guiding students in the making of decisions about their lives and futures.

Math teachers work under generally pleasant conditions, though some older schools may have poor heating and electrical systems. Violence in schools has decreased somewhat in recent years, but media coverage of the violence has increased along with student fears. In most schools, students are prepared to learn and to perform the work that's required of them. But in some schools, students may be dealing with gangs, drugs, poverty, and other problems, so the environment can be tense and emotional.

School hours are generally 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., but teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Outside the classroom, they spend a lot of time preparing for classes, grading papers, and directing extracurricular activities. Some work evenings and weekends, coaching school teams or tutoring students. Many teachers enroll in master's or doctoral programs and take evening and summer courses to continue their education.

Mathematics Teachers

Overview

Introduction

Quick Facts

Earnings

Work Environment

Outlook

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Actuaries

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