Math teacher: advantages and disadvantages, knowledge

A math teacher is an eternally relevant and sought-after profession that requires a specialist not only to have perfect knowledge of his subject, but also special personal qualities. What should a mathematics teacher be like? What are the features of his work? What professional and individual qualities does this type of work require of a person?

Teaching the exact sciences, which includes mathematics, It is aimed at developing students' logical thinking, analytical abilities, the ability to independently determine patterns and identify causal relationships. The main features of the process of teaching mathematics are its strict phasing, continuity and integrity. Any omission or gap made at one of the stages of training in the future inevitably reduces the possibility of promoting students in mastering mathematical knowledge.

The main task of a math teacher, according to the information presented in professional standards, is the formation in students of a model of mathematical activity corresponding to the current level of education and level of knowledge. In turn, the term "mathematical activity" refers to the student’s mental activity, which includes a set of logical and analytical methods of thinking that he knows how to put into practice.

One of the most difficult tasks facing a mathematics teacher is the competent organization of the educational process, which provides for the involvement of all students in the intellectual work.

Professional activity of a teacher of mathematics is directed not only on the intellectual, but also on the social as well as emotional development of students. In the course of interaction with the teacher, students not only master the basics of exact science, but also acquire the social knowledge they need, improve their communication skills and creative abilities.

The work of a mathematics teacher does not exclude, on the contrary, he welcomes a creative approach to the organization of the educational process. Observations show that the non-standard techniques used in the organization of the educational process can significantly increase its effectiveness.

The profession of a mathematics teacher requires a specialist to have such personal qualities and skills:

• self-organization and self-discipline;
• patience;
• the ability to clearly formulate goals and determine the most effective ways to achieve them;
• stress resistance;
• the desire for continuous professional development, broadening the horizons;
• ability to prevent and resolve conflict situations;
• the ability to arouse students' interest in their subject.

Among the advantages of working as a mathematics teacher, the following should be noted:

• clearly defined work schedule;
• official employment (in GOU and MOU);
• long vacation;
• bonuses and additional payments;
• self-development and personal growth.

The schedule of the teacher of mathematics is determined by the degree of employment of the specialist. The teaching rate today assumes employment for 18 academic hours per week, which averages 3-4 lessons on weekdays. Official employment (in particular, when working in a state or municipal institution) implies appropriate guarantees, subsidies, compensations and benefits. Officially employed specialists have a “white” salary, paid sick leave and study leave, payments for overtime work.

The vacation of a math teacher, according to labor law, is 56 days. Of course, most teachers go on vacation in the summer - during the longest school holidays. In agreement with the leadership of the educational institution, a mathematics teacher can receive bonuses and incentive payments for organizing extracurricular activities.

Work as a math teacher requires relentless self-development and personal growth. In recent years, educational programs and educational standards have undergone significant changes, suggesting new methods for organizing the educational process. In this way, the activity of a mathematics teacher today combines both the scientific experience of previous generations and the revolutionary discoveries and achievements of modern scientists.

We should not exclude the fact that modern teachers prefer to use high-tech inventions (3D-projectors, touchboards) in the organization of the educational process, which significantly increase students' interest in the topic or subject being studied. These features also require the teacher to have a progressive and creative approach to organizing work with students. The disadvantages of working as a teacher of mathematics, the specialists themselves usually attribute an insufficiently high level of wages. Its size depends on the size of salary, compensation payments and incentive allowances.

According to information provided by the city employment services in 2019, the average salary of a math teacher in Moscow is from 60 to 90 thousand rubles, in St. Petersburg - from 30 to 45 thousand rubles. In the northern regions of Russia, the average salary of a mathematics teacher is 65 thousand rubles. In other regions of the Russian Federation, the teacher's salary level varies from 15 to 30 thousand rubles.

Psychologists consider another disadvantage of the profession high risk of burnout syndrome. The development of this syndrome affects both young teachers and teachers with extensive experience.

The demand for a mathematics teacher in the labor market depends not only on his experience and qualifications, but also on the level of existing knowledge and skills acquired in the professional field. Representatives of recruiting agencies claim that many employers are more willing to give preference to candidates who tirelessly improve their professional level, are interested in innovations and the latest scientific achievements in their field of activity.

The basic and required skills of a mathematics teacher include the following:

• perfect knowledge of the theory of his subject;
• the ability to solve in practice mathematical problems of various difficulty levels;
• PC knowledge at the advanced user level;
• the ability to explain complex topics, teeming with terminology, in simple and understandable language;
• the ability to plan, organize and control the educational process;
• high level of communication.

Among other requirements for math teachers, the following should be noted:

• impeccable knowledge of a specialized subject (mathematics, algebra);
• knowledge of descriptive and projective geometry;
• knowledge of the basics of drawing;
• knowledge of computer science;
• knowledge of the basics of psychology and pedagogy.

Get this specialty on the basis of your full secondary education (11 grades) You can at a pedagogical university by choosing one of the following forms of education:

• full-time - 4 years;
• correspondence, evening - 5 years.

At the entrance tests, the applicant will have to demonstrate their level of knowledge in the following subjects:

• mathematics (algebra);
• Russian language;
• social science (or physics, geometry).

Under favorable circumstances, a mathematics teacher at a municipal or state educational institution may eventually take the position of the head of educational or educational work or the deputy director of information and communication technologies. However, he can also continue to conduct lessons in his subject. Career development and retraining courses also contribute to career growth.

As part of the training at such courses, a mathematics teacher can master the most relevant related specialty - a programmer, economist, financial analyst, mathematician engineer, designer, system administrator, statistician, logistician.