OVERVIEW
What Is a Geometry Teacher?
Geometry combines mathematics and spatial reasoning to explore how object properties and relationships define physical reality. Along with arithmetic, it’s one of the oldest branches of mathematics. Professionals use geometry in fields such as architecture, mechanical engineering, art, graphic design, cartography, and astronomy. Geometry teachers help students understand the theoretical concepts underpinning geometry as well as its practical applications. High school geometry courses are usually introduced to students in the ninth or tenth grade, but this can vary based on school policy and students’ needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Geometry Teacher Do?
A typical day in the life of a geometry teacher often involves the following responsibilities:
- Designing informative, engaging lesson plans that align with state standards and curriculum objectives.
- Delivering geometry lessons to students through lectures, presentations, assignments, and classroom activities.
- Teaching fundamental geometry concepts such as symmetry, congruence, and geometric proofs.
- Explaining the properties of geometric figures such as polygons, right triangles, parallel lines, and quadrilaterals.
- Providing extra guidance and support to students with learning difficulties.
- Collaborating with other high school math teachers to align curriculum and make geometry courses more relevant and engaging.
- Monitoring students’ academic progress through homework assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Differentiating geometry courses to accommodate students of diverse ability levels.
- Enforcing school policies and classroom rules.
- Communicating with parents through emails, parent-teacher conferences, and meetings.
- Participating in workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to stay up to date on the latest educational tools and techniques.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Geometry Teacher?
The time it takes to become a geometry teacher varies from person to person. Some individuals take five or six years to complete their bachelor’s degree, acquire a teaching license, and find a job. However, others can fast-track their education and certification through accelerated or competency-based college programs.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Geometry Teacher?
To become a geometry teacher, you’ll need to meet the specific educational qualifications and skills required by your state. In most states, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education to teach high school math courses such as geometry. Alternatively, you may be able to earn a bachelor’s in another subject and then complete a teacher licensure program.
While a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement, many schools prefer to hire teachers with a master’s degree. Most education degrees include a student teaching component where aspiring educators work alongside an experienced teacher in an actual classroom. Your student teaching experience will allow you to apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios.
After earning your degree and meeting other state requirements, you’ll complete one or more teacher certification tests. These licensure exams assess your knowledge of the subject matter as well as your understanding of teaching methodology, classroom management, child development, and related topics. If you pass the required tests, you can apply for your teaching license through your state’s education department or licensing board. At this point, you’re eligible to work at a school as a teacher. It’s important to note that you’ll likely need to complete continuing education or professional development programs to maintain your certification.
Best Degrees for a Geometry Teacher
Education
Mathematics Education (Secondary) – B.S.
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring...
An online teaching degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school math teachers and high school math teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 60% of students finish this degree within 40 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program (43 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Trigonometry and Precalculus
- Probability and Statistics I and II
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Abstract Algebra
- College Geometry
This online math teaching degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online math teaching degree program helps students become eligible for math teaching certification.
Education
Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle school or high school math teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on the teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish this high school math teaching degree within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 21 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Algebra for Secondary Teaching
- Geometry for Secondary Teaching
- Statistics and Probability for Secondary Teaching
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Educational Psychology
This online teaching degree in secondary math education requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This program differs from the M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program in that it includes courses in upper levels of calculus, including advanced calculus and mathematical modeling. Graduates from this secondary math degree program will be eligible for a teaching license in any of the 50 states.
What Is the Salary of a Geometry Teacher?
$65,220
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earn a median salary of $65,220 a year, as of May 2023. The BLS states that public school teachers earn a median annual salary of $66,070, while private school teachers earn $61,290. Teaching salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, type of school, education level, and professional experience. Although most schools have a 10-month school year, teachers may elect to have their payments spread evenly across the 12-month calendar year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth for a Geometry Teacher?
1%
The BLS projects that the employment of high school teachers will decrease by 1% from 2023 to 2033. Although the BLS estimate indicates a slight decline, there are still expected to be 64,000 openings for high school teachers each year throughout the decade. The demand for skilled teachers varies greatly by location, with many regions experiencing teacher shortages.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Geometry Teacher Need?
To effectively educate young people, geometry teachers need mathematics expertise and a solid understanding of pedagogical concepts. Specifically, geometry teachers need proficiency in the following areas:
- Mathematics. Whether they’re explaining geometrical proofs or grading a quiz on the Pythagorean theorem, geometry teachers use math skills every day.
- Classroom management. To maintain a productive learning environment, teachers must manage student behavior and minimize disruptions.
- Leadership. Serving as influential role models to students and colleagues alike, teachers lead by example.
- Time management. From lesson planning and grading to parent communication and professional development, teachers must juggle dozens of responsibilities simultaneously.
- Problem-solving. The most effective teachers can deliver engaging lessons despite resource limitations, student behavioral problems, and other issues, making problem-solving a crucial skill.
- Digital fluency. In a geometry course, students often use web-based graphing and visualization tools, online learning modules, simulation software, and other technological resources.
- Curriculum development. When designing a curriculum, teachers must balance educational goals with student engagement, creating lessons that captivate the students’ interest while simultaneously fulfilling learning objectives.
- Patience. To be an effective teacher, an individual must control their emotions and remain calm under pressure.
- Communication. Teachers rely on exceptional communication skills to explain complex geometry concepts and foster positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Cultural sensitivity. Since modern classrooms include learners of diverse backgrounds, teachers must respect each student’s unique experiences and perspectives.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a Geometry Teacher?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
