Hi, I’m planning on majoring in Applied Mathematics at a University (hopefully GT, VT, and UVA) next fall. I love math, and I want to become a high school math teacher in the future. Would I still be able to become a math teacher with a degree in Applied Mathematics? Also, if I study at a University outside of where I live (NY), would I have to do extra work to become a teacher in NY?
Yes, you can become a HS math teacher. Yes, you would need to do extra (or at least work with the NY state board and your school to make sure you meet requirements). That’s why it’s usually best to go to school in the state in which you want to teach. The courses line up with the requirements.
Thanks for the advice!
Just to give you a point of reference, a decade or so ago I thought about teaching HS math or physics in NY. I have a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering; I submitted paperwork to certify my qualifications in math and physics (which I easily met, as you would with a degree in App. Math). However, I would still have needed well more than a year of education courses in order to be certified in NY. I don’t recall exactly how much, but it was a lot.
@donnaleighg What if I get my bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics out of state, but then get my masters in NY? And would I be able to get my master’s in mathematical education?
What @donnaleighg is saying is that there are requirements to be a teacher. Not just to major in math. Many states, if not all, require a teaching certificate/degree. If you don’t get a undergrad degree in education, you often need to post-bachelors certificate to teach. It includes student teaching, etc. If you want to be a teacher, you might look into an education degree and do a math double major.