Have the Credentials

• A degree in education and the appropriate teacher certification is required. Depending on the state, this can be achieved in conjunction with a master's degree in education, or an undergraduate degree. Many programs include student teaching to build classroom experience. A concentration in math may be part of the degree.
  
  

Create Lesson Plans

• Design a lesson plan for the class. The lesson plan must adhere to the guidelines, schedule, and text chosen by the school or math department. It should take into account the age group being taught and allow ample time for demonstration, to address questions and provide additional help.
  
  

Classroom Management

• Be able to keep the classroom under control and ensure that students are following directions and completing assignments. This requires a disciplined classroom atmosphere and clear tasks and goals for the students to pursue. The math teacher must have patience with all students, particularly the ones who are weaker than others in the subject.
  
  

Ability to Explain Topics

• Understand the subject matter and possess the skill to convey that understanding to the students. Students may learn in different ways and it is up to the teacher to be versatile in method in order to motivate, and teach each student.
  
  

Grading Tests and Assignments

• In correcting and grading tests and assignments, identify which topics students have a hard time understanding and approaching those topics in new and innovative ways.