Math teachers need software than can efficiently produce a lot of mathmatical notation. It's possible to use math formulas directly in word processors like OpenOffice. OpenOffice is fine when you need an occassional math formula, but it requires too many clicks to be efficient for math heavy documents.
For math-intense documents, the free, open source LyX is an excellent choice.
Available for Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, LyX excels at working with math formulas. The edge it provides is direct shortcuts to enter common math notations, as well as beautiful output.
This way, math formulas can typed out in a natural work flow. The difference like typing on a computer keyboard compared to trying to compose a sentence on a cell phone. Lyx is faster.
Hopi, a local math teacher quickly taught herself the basics of LyX and uses it to produce math handouts with complex fractions and other math notations.
You can examples of Lyx being used for math notation, or follow the links above for further information.
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