Numerical skills are generally at a poor level, even in highly developed countries. Studies have shown the deleterious impact that a lack of mathematical knowledge will have on well-being, particularly financial, and there has never been a more important time for mathematical educators to bring their skills to every corner of the globe. A well traveled educator has the benefit of world experience in influencing their teaching; finding the right place to land it is key.
Into Central-Eastern Europe
Some of the gaps in mathematical knowledge are actually at home on the doorstep of some of the wealthiest countries in the world. As highlighted by a World Population Review of the PISA Review, a yearly ranking concerning mathematical skill, countries including Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have a gap in mathematical skills and knowledge. Within this, certain mathematical skills such as Probability and Modern Engineering Mathematics are in hot demand. Looking to consolidate your knowledge of Probability before heading out can help both in educating and in contributing to answering questions of the day; this field in particular has a lot of strength in tackling the volatility facing many countries.
Solving difficult problems
Singapore has a rich educational history and has spent years upskilling their population to have natural talents in mathematical fields. Despite this, job uptake has been poor, especially among women, according to a UNESCO report. There is clearly a gap in applying math, and so teachers with expertise in Inductive Reasoning and Complex Problem Solving will do a lot of good - even in a highly developed country.
Improving core skills
Across the Indian Ocean, you have Africa and, in particular, South Africa. According to a Research Professional News article, students moving into university are having significant difficulty picking up the core skills needed to succeed in these professionally developed courses, to their personal and financial detriment. Educators with a focus on the basics of math and the core skills required to understand more complex concepts are in high demand, and this requires an everyman approach to educating.
Mathematics is a fantastic pursuit, relevant both financially and in terms of upskilling workforces in need. Education in the field isn’t even, and that’s showing in the job market and higher educational settings of the world. Bridging that gap is a wonderful way to help build capability globally - and to upskill yourself.