Mathematics Instructor Responsibilities

If you ask any students what is the subject that they most fear, prompt will be their reply, mathematics. The subject mathematics has been viewed as a complex subject and students simply do not take interest and stop learning it. However, this subject is quite interesting, and it can be made interesting by an instructor in mathematics. The mathematics instructor responsibilities comprise presenting the subject in a simple form and trying to understand the problems faced by the students. He/she looks at the complexities in the subject from the students' point of view and explains them the basic concepts of mathematics in a fun filled way. He/she creates an environment that is conducive for students' development and growth.

Key Responsibilities of a Mathematics Instructor

The mathematics instructor imparts and provides the mathematics knowledge to his/her students in a manner that conforms to the outlined standards. He/she takes help of various instructional methods that will help the students to grasp the subject in a better way and explain them the basic concepts of mathematics in a simpler way. He/she analyzes, reviews, and recommends changes in the curriculum to remain abreast with the current developments that would eventually lead in achieving the departmental goals and objectives. To understand the role of an instructor who teaches math, here is a detailed description of the key responsibilities that he/she needs to perform:

1. To prepare the lessons and present the mathematical concepts and skills in a simple, concise manner and to develop and maintain a learning environment that supports, facilitates and promotes better learning
2. To ensure that the students are well aware of the discipline that needs to be followed in the classroom and to give clear instructions, directions, and explanations on how to complete the assignments and their relevant submission dates
3. To evaluate the progress of the students by evaluating their performance in various assignments and examinations and grade them accordingly
4. To motivate and encourage the students to ask queries and to ensure that they are being answered promptly
5. To convince the students the significance of math in their everyday lives and to assure them that it is a subject that can be easily studied by one and all
6. To function as an educational advisor, assist the students in their revision as well as develop a curriculum and instructional material that meet the educational goals and objectives

In addition to the above responsibilities, the instructor of math makes effective contribution to development and implementation of competency based education. He/she makes requisitions for various educational resources for improving the instructional methods and also makes active participation in developing and creating new teaching materials. He/she maintains all the records related to the students' attendance, their progress, and ensures that all the paperwork is maintained, accurate, and complete. He/she constantly upgrades his/her knowledge and keeps abreast with the developments that may happen in the relevant subject and ensures that he/she works and takes efforts towards achieving the targeted mission. He/she applauds the students and motivates them to achieve greater heights. He/she pursues ongoing professional development and works collaboratively with the other instructors and participates in various activities, meetings, trainings, etc.

Essential Skills and Abilities

The basic requirement to become an instructor in mathematics is that the individual should have good teaching and instructing skills. He /she should be comfortable in handling various computer aided instructional materials that will help the students to understand the subject in a better way. He/she should be able to address the personal and professional grievances of the students and guide them. He/she should be proficient in computers, as he/she needs to keep records related to the students attendance and their progress. He/she should be comfortable to work with a diverse range of students and staff and should have a natural ability to strike a rapport with his students.

Educational Background

If you are aspiring to become an instructor in mathematics, you should have completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics or mathematics education or a master's degree in a relevant field from an accredited university or college. Previous teaching experience, more preferably in the relevant subject, would be a plus. Additional certification would prove to be an edge while getting the desired job.

Work Schedule

The mathematics instructor may have flexible work schedule and he/she must be ready to work in the evening, weekend, semester interim, or during summer assignments at various locations.

Salary Details

The remuneration varies depending on the location, type, and size of the school or college the instructor is working in. The average annual salary for a fresh candidate is in the range of $28,000, while the experienced person can get a salary package up to $77,000.

Career Prospects

The career opportunities look bright and lucrative for the individuals aspiring to make a career in teaching. Those with higher qualification, training, certification, and experience can climb up the ladder of success more easily and get promoted to higher positions.

Therefore, if you are interested in teaching and have a passion for teaching the mathematical concepts to the students in a simpler way, then shouldering the instructor mathematics responsibilities would definitely prove to be an easy task.