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What is a math and science teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Diana Jones,
Anita Corbett Ph.D.
introduction image

The responsibility of a math and science teacher is to make students understand the use and application of mathematical and scientific principles. A teacher adapts the curriculum to meet the special need of his/her students. You are also to plan and execute lessons based on the state's educational standards. It is your duty to evaluate both the social and educational development of your students. You are to come up with creative ways and methods for teaching math and science subjects. This could be in the form of discussion, presentations, field trips, and other essential methods.

A bachelor's degree in a related field is required to become a math and science teacher. Additional teaching certifications would be needed as well. You need to be very good at written and verbal communication and have the ability to think logically. Also, you need to have good human relations and be very patient and empathetic. Annually, a math and science teacher earns an average salary of $48,677.

What general advice would you give to a math and science teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreMath And Science TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $46,589

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.4

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%

Asian 3.55%

Black or African American 7.81%

Hispanic or Latino 11.42%

Unknown 3.96%

White 72.80%

Gender

female 58.71%

male 41.29%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Math and science teacher career paths

Key steps to become a math and science teacher

  1. Explore math and science teacher education requirements

    Most common math and science teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.9 %

    Master's

    23.4 %

    Associate

    3.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific math and science teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Math30.11%
    Classroom Management11.44%
    Chemistry5.65%
    Geometry5.61%
    Student Learning5.36%
  3. Complete relevant math and science teacher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New math and science teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a math and science teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real math and science teacher resumes.
  4. Research math and science teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Lead professional development for colleagues on integrating graphing calculators into the curriculum.
    • Provide classroom instruction in 5th grade science including biology, chemistry, physics and human anatomy.
    • Provide individualized instruction to high-school students, focusing primarily on algebra, geometry, calculus, biology and chemistry.
    • Agree to accept a long-term assignment in one middle school math classroom for the remainder of the year.
  5. Prepare your math and science teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your math and science teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a math and science teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable math and science teacher resume templates

    Build a professional math and science teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your math and science teacher resume.
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
    Math And Science Teacher Resume
  6. Apply for math and science teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a math and science teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first math and science teacher job

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Average math and science teacher salary

The average math and science teacher salary in the United States is $46,589 per year or $22 per hour. Math and science teacher salaries range between $37,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average math and science teacher salary
$46,589 Yearly
$22.40 hourly

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How do math and science teachers rate their job?

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Math and science teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

Train and teach student's mind that Math is fun

Cons

Easy application of technology to mathematics subjects


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Cons

Some students' non-challant attitude towards learning.

Pros

Ability to share knowledge and guide students in learning new things.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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