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Math teacher vs physics teacher

The differences between math teachers and physics teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a math teacher and a physics teacher. Additionally, a physics teacher has an average salary of $54,119, which is higher than the $51,088 average annual salary of a math teacher.

The top three skills for a math teacher include math, classroom management and student learning. The most important skills for a physics teacher are classroom management, student learning, and instructional materials.

Math teacher vs physics teacher overview

Math TeacherPhysics Teacher
Yearly salary$51,088$54,119
Hourly rate$24.56$26.02
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs59,34768,098
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a math teacher do?

A math teacher is responsible for instilling analytical and statistical knowledge to the learners. The duties of a math teacher include the development of a student's problem-solving skills, practical application of formulas and logical reasoning, utilization of visual materials and other learning equipment for better comprehension, and evaluation of the students' learning progress by conducting series of tests and activities. A math teacher should also support and encourage students and build their self-confidence by providing regular coachings, managing their learning challenges, and keeping engaging lesson plans.

What does a physics teacher do?

A Physics Teacher prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students regarding the laws of matter and energy. They may work for schools, professional schools, colleges, or universities.

Math teacher vs physics teacher salary

Math teachers and physics teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Math TeacherPhysics Teacher
Average salary$51,088$54,119
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $70,000Between $36,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CityBaltimore, MDAmherst, MA
Highest paying stateMarylandMassachusetts
Best paying companyCalifornia State UniversityVarian Medical Systems
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between math teacher and physics teacher education

There are a few differences between a math teacher and a physics teacher in terms of educational background:

Math TeacherPhysics Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorMathematicsPhysics
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Math teacher vs physics teacher demographics

Here are the differences between math teachers' and physics teachers' demographics:

Math TeacherPhysics Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 47.0% Female, 53.0%Male, 68.3% Female, 31.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between math teacher and physics teacher duties and responsibilities

Math teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead professional development for colleagues on integrating graphing calculators into the curriculum.
  • Utilize cooperative learning techniques and provide individualized instruction in the field of pre-algebra and middle grade mathematics.
  • Provide students with high quality teaching of math subject utilizing state standards, course overviews accelerate mathematics curriculum program.
  • Plan and teach lessons for 6th grade mathematics and 7th grade Pre-Algebra.
  • Motivate students with various academic abilities to learn pre-calculus, geometry, and general earth science.
  • Design inquiry base unit on human anatomy and physiology.
  • Show more

Physics teacher example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a substitute teach chemistry, physics and astronomy.
  • Prepare and present lecture and exam material, supervise students, assist JV girls soccer coach
  • Aid an alternative strategy of learning basic concepts of chemistry, biology, & physiology.
  • Emphasize math and science skills in project base, standards base, and traditional classroom settings.
  • Instruct and help students with daily assignments, weekly chemistry tutoring (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
  • Participate in numerous IEP and collaborative sessions for students with special needs and at risk students.
  • Show more

Math teacher vs physics teacher skills

Common math teacher skills
  • Math, 32%
  • Classroom Management, 12%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Instructional Materials, 4%
  • Public Schools, 4%
  • Algebra II, 3%
Common physics teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 15%
  • Student Learning, 10%
  • Instructional Materials, 9%
  • Public Schools, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • Laboratory Experiments, 4%

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