Example Career: Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Description

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

What Job Titles Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Might Have

• Instructor
• Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor)
• Mathematics Professor
• Professor

What Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Do

• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
• Keep abreast of developments and technological advances in the mathematical field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in books, professional journals, or electronic media.
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
• Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
• Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.

What Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Should Be Good At

• Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

What Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Should Be Interested In

• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

What Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary Need to Learn

• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.