OVERVIEW
What Is a Statistics Teacher?
At its core, statistics is the discipline of collecting, deciphering, and presenting data. High school students in a statistics course learn about foundational statistical concepts such as probability, distributions, and statistical inference, as well as data science principles such as algorithmic bias and data visualization. Statistics education helps students become informed citizens who can understand nuanced issues through a numerical lens. While it’s often a college-level course, statistics classes are integrated into many high school mathematics programs and are usually available to juniors and seniors.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Statistics Teacher Do?
Statistics education fosters curiosity, analytical thinking, and data literacy, enhancing high school mathematics programs and preparing students for effective data-driven decision-making. Statistics teachers have a unique set of responsibilities aligned with these objectives. Some of the most essential job duties for statistics teachers include:
- Delivering lessons that teach math and data science principles in an engaging, accessible way.
- Ensuring that statistics and data science education curriculum aligns with state standards and departmental learning objectives.
- Supervising students and managing classroom behavior.
- Collaborating with colleagues, research institutions, and mathematics education experts to integrate the latest statistical techniques into teaching practices.
- Assessing student comprehension through tests, quizzes, and projects.
- Aligning teaching strategies with students' individual needs and learning styles.
- Providing one-on-one support to students who are struggling to grasp the content.
- Meeting with parents to discuss their child’s progress, establish academic goals, and address behavioral or learning difficulties.
- Fostering a positive learning environment that promotes student participation and intellectual growth.
- Updating teaching materials to align with advancements in statistics pedagogy.
- Attending workshops, conferences, and continuing education programs.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Statistics Teacher?
The path to becoming a statistics teacher varies from person to person. Traditional bachelor’s degrees in education take four years to complete, but many individuals are able to expedite graduation through accelerated or competency-based degree programs. The time it takes to enter the teaching field also depends on state laws, student teaching requirements, previous education and experience, and other factors.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Statistics Teacher?
Teaching jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many statistics educators have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. Others earn a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, statistics, mathematics, or a closely related field and then earn their teaching credentials separately. The educational route you take will depend on your unique circumstances and goals. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education needed to be a high school teacher, many schools prefer educators with master’s degrees. Earning a master’s degree can deepen your understanding of statistics concepts and teaching methodologies, making you more qualified for high-paying, specialized positions.
To teach math or statistics at a public high school, you’ll also need a teaching license. The process for obtaining this license varies by state. Most states require you to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and pass one or more certification exams. If you want to increase your domain expertise and employability further, you can earn a professional certification such as the National Board Certification (NBC) from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Because the field of education is constantly evolving, ongoing professional development is essential for statistics teachers. Consider participating in continuous education opportunities through organizations like the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the American Statistical Association (ASA). The ASA/NCTM Joint Committee offers workshops, teaching materials, and a wealth of other resources for statistics teachers.
Best Degrees for a Statistics 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.
Technology
Data Analytics Skills Certificate – School of Technology
The Data Analytics Skills Certificate will prepare you to demonstrate...
The Data Analytics Skills Certificate will prepare you to demonstrate foundational analytics concepts and build job-ready skills in fields like data analysis, data visualization, SQL, Python and Excel .
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,000 for the certificate.
- Courses: 6 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help aspiring data analysts begin their journey, gain valuable experience, and add a critical credential to their résumé. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. All of these courses can be applied to a course in the B.S. Computer Science and B.S. Data Analytics degree programs. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This certificate can help build fundamental skills in data analysis, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in data analytics.
Education
Mathematics Education (K–6) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching math to elementary school students.
- Time: 61% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to add K-6 math education to their license.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Number Sense and Functions
- Graphing
- Geometry and Statistics
- Research Design
Focus your teaching passion on instilling in elementary-age students a love of math with this education master's degree.
Technology
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python
What Is the Salary of a Statistics Teacher?
$65,220
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for high school teachers was $65,220, as of May 2023. The BLS also states that public school teachers earn slightly more than private school teachers on average. Salaries in the secondary education field typically range from $48,040 to $106,380, with more experienced teachers earning wages at the higher end of the spectrum.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
1%
The BLS reports that the employment of high school teachers will decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033. However, projections indicate that there will be 64,000 job openings for high school teachers each year throughout the decade. While national statistics show a slight decrease in the employment of high school teachers, many areas are experiencing teacher shortages.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Statistics Teacher Need?
Teaching statistics requires in-depth knowledge of both mathematical principles and teaching methodologies. To thrive in a statistics teacher role, you’ll need the following skills:
- Mathematics and statistics expertise. Given the complexity of the subject, statistics teachers need a comprehensive understanding of probability theory, experimental design, descriptive statistics, and other mathematical concepts.
- Technology proficiency. In modern tech-driven classrooms, expertise in digital tools like Microsoft Excel, Khan Academy, and Stata is indispensable.
- Adaptability. To meet diverse learning needs, teachers use a flexible instructional approach and adjust their strategies as needed.
- Analytical thinking. Statistics teachers show students how to use logical reasoning, causal analysis, and critical thinking to scrutinize data and draw accurate conclusions.
- Communication. Whether they’re presenting a lesson, providing assessment feedback, or collaborating with colleagues, statistics teachers rely on robust communication skills to convey information clearly.
- Problem-solving. In a teaching role, the ability to recognize and overcome challenges is essential.
- Time management. Statistics teachers simultaneously juggle lesson planning, classroom management, grading, parent communication, and other responsibilities, making time management a crucial skill.
- Collaboration. By sharing insights, strategies, and resources with fellow educators, teachers can collectively improve their teaching methodologies and enhance student outcomes.
- Cultural awareness. Because classrooms contain students with diverse experiences and backgrounds, teachers must prioritize cultural sensitivity and inclusion.
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