Pre-existing Mathematics Teacher Characteristics

Abstract

This chapter addresses the pre-existing mathematics teacher characteristics (PMTC) of prospective mathematics teachers on entry to their teacher education program. Pre-existing teacher characteristics include abilities, knowledge, and attitudes that a candidate for admission to a teacher preparation program possesses on entry, as well as a candidate’s aptitude for teaching. The chapter provides an overview of a survey of mathematics education research for the period 2000 to 2020 with a focus on the three categories of the types and nature of pre-existing teacher characteristics the studies addressed. These categories emerging from the survey are pre-existing mathematical content knowledge and skills, pre-existing mathematics-related pedagogical knowledge and ability, and pre-existing mathematics-related beliefs. The studies are also discussed from the perspective of the evolution of the research on PMTC and implications regarding future evolution of research on PMTC.