- Any teacher who seeks employment in the public schools must have a bachelor's degree in education and must acquire a teaching certificate for the state in which he works. While all 50 states require this, some states have agreements that make the licensing more mobile for teachers relocating. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) oversees these interstate agreements, which also include some Canadian provinces, authorizing credentialed teachers from specific states to teach in the new locations.
- While not an absolute requirement, a high school algebra teacher is most effective in educating students when she has completed the requirements for a mathematics degree in addition to a teacher's certificate. Many universities offer degrees in mathematics education. Alternatively, you could choose to complete a double major in math and education and benefit from a more extensive math curriculum. You should be prepared to complete college-level courses in advanced algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
- A student teaching internship, or practicum, is required by many university education degree programs. The typical teaching practicum is a semester-long hands-on experience in a high school classroom under the tutelage of a professional teacher. Often one of the last requirements a degree candidate must fulfill prior to graduation, an internship is the time when students observe real classroom interactions, gain practical professional information and ultimately try their hands at tutoring or teaching in the classroom on their own.
- Once you secure employment as a high school algebra teacher, the state in which you reside may have further educational requirements. While not all states require that secondary education teachers complete a master's degree within a specified time period of their start date, voluntarily seeking additional mathematics certification during the course of your career can not only keep you current on your knowledge but can earn raises in salary as well. In 2009, the median annual salary for U.S. high school math teachers was just over $64,000, but the top 10 percent earned over $118,000.
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