become a maths teacher

Becoming a maths teacher is a rewarding journey that combines a passion for numbers with the joy of educating future generations with the same passion that you have for mathematics. Whether you’re considering a degree or alternative pathways, we have everything that you need to know about becoming a maths teacher in the UK. In this article, you will learn about how to become a maths teacher, including becoming one with and without a degree, job opportunities, and finding which prospect is right for you.

What is a Maths Teacher?

The original premise of a maths teacher is to educate students about numbers, equations, and logical reasoning. In the UK, a maths teacher might start with foundational arithmetic for younger students, gradually progressing to more complex topics like trigonometry, calculus, and advanced statistics for older students. These responsibilities aren’t confined to just teaching; maths teachers also design engaging lessons, craft assessments tailored to students’ abilities, and provide feedback to improve growth.

A key quality about becoming a maths teacher is adaptability. Each maths journey is unique, and can be modified depending on a student’s capabilities. This could mean using visual aids, hands-on activities for others, or even integrating real-world applications to make concepts more relatable.

Furthermore, becoming a maths teacher often means being continuously aware of the specific curriculum standards and examination requirements. Maths teachers strive not only to ensure students excel academically but also to instil a genuine appreciation for mathematics.

What Does a Maths Teacher Do?

maths teacher helping student

Because maths is a core subject in the UK curriculum, it is also vital for many higher education courses and everyday life. A maths teacher plays a crucial role in teaching students the essential mathematical skills to pass the subject for their GCSEs. Their responsibilities include:

How To Become A Maths Teacher

Becoming a maths teacher in the UK involves a series of educational and professional steps. If you are interested in maths and have a passion to progress your career into teaching the subject, then you should follow these steps:

1. Complete Your Undergraduate Degree:

Upon completing your GCSEs and A-Levels (or BTECs), proceed to do an undergraduate maths degree at university level, covering topics like algebra, calculus, geometry, differential equations, and probability.

Entry requirements typically include a high level of knowledge in Mathematics, 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) graded C/4 or above, and possibly A Levels. (Some universities will offer a foundation year alongside your course which is the equivalent of obtaining A Levels).

Some universities might have entrance exams to assess mathematical skills. The degree usually lasts 3 years, but can extend to 4 years with additional placements or a master’s qualification.

2. Pursue a Graduate Degree:

Some maths teacher positions might require a graduate degree in a specific maths field. Graduate style programmes delve deeper into mathematics, teaching methodologies, and classroom management. If you want to meet your full potential as a maths teacher, consider pursuing a graduate degree, and you can also learn how to get better at maths too. 

3. Attend a School Direct Training Program:

This year-long programme offers mentorship and training for graduate students, enabling you to achieve a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), which can help you to progress into being a teaching assistant. We also offer teaching assistant online courses which are the equivalent of a PGCE.

4. Complete School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT):

Similar to the school direct programme, SCITT provides practical classroom experience. It has specific entry requirements, such as prior teaching experience.

5. Gain Experience in an Entry-Level Position:

Starting as a teaching assistant can provide valuable classroom experience.

This experience can be highlighted on your CV, showcasing your commitment and growth in the field.

6. Renew Your Teaching Credentials:

Depending on your QTS status and employer’s requirements, you might need to engage in continuous professional development. This ensures you stay updated with curriculum changes and new teaching methodologies. If you are unsure about your personal development, you can learn about why you should focus on personal development, and how to write a personal development plan

By following these steps and maintaining a dedication to professional growth, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a maths teacher in the UK.

Becoming A Maths Teacher Without A Degree?

becoming a maths teacher writing on chalkboard

While a university degree in maths is a common route to becoming a maths teacher, it is possible to know how to become a teacher without a degree. Many people, due to constraints including time, finances, or personal commitments, might not be able to pursue a full-time university course. For those in this situation, there are possible alternatives:

What Postgraduate Courses are Useful in Maths?

Postgraduate courses can refine your mathematical skills and open doors to specialised areas. Some of the available programs include:

How to Get Hired as a Maths Teacher?

In order to get hired as a maths teacher, you must ensure that you have refined each of the details below:

How Much Does a Maths Teacher Earn?

Salaries for maths teachers vary based on factors like experience, location, and qualifications:

On average, the salary for a maths teacher in the UK can reach £36,400, based on results from February, 2023.

To get a precise idea of potential earnings, you should research salaries for positions in your speciality.

Learn To Become A Maths Teacher With NCC

Choosing a career in education, especially as a maths teacher, offers a promising career path filled with opportunities for growth and impact. While there are traditional routes involving degrees, alternative pathways also exist, depending on different cultural backgrounds. With the right qualifications, training, and dedication, you can progress into teaching maths accordingly. As with any profession, staying updated and familiar in job-seeking ensures a rewarding journey in shaping young minds. 

By knowing how maths skill can boost your chances of getting a job, you can get ahead of the competition and, hopefully, expand your knowledge on an area you may or may not be overly comfortable or experienced in. But with NCC home learning and our vast range of online teaching courses, we can work with you to progress in the career that you want, by working at your own pace and learning routines. 

FAQs

What kind of mathematics do maths educators teach?

The type of mathematics that maths teachers encourage largely depends on the educational level they’re teaching at:

Primary/Elementary School: Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), introductory geometry, basic word problems, and foundational mathematical concepts.
Middle School: Pre-algebra, introductory algebra, geometry, basic statistics, and probability.
High School: Algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, and sometimes specialised courses like discrete maths or linear algebra.
College/University: Depending on their specialisation, educators at this level might teach anything from basic college algebra and statistics to advanced calculus, differential equations, abstract algebra, real analysis, and other specialised maths courses.

What other skills do maths teachers need to be successful?

Pedagogical Skills: Understanding how to convey complex mathematical concepts in an understandable manner.
Patience: Students learn at different rates and may struggle with certain concepts.
Adaptability: Being able to adjust teaching methods based on the needs of the students.
Communication Skills: Clearly explaining concepts and being able to listen to students’ questions and concerns.
Problem-Solving: Finding ways to make challenging topics accessible.
Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with students to create a positive learning environment.
Continuous Learning: Mathematics is a vast field, and staying updated with new teaching methods or areas of mathematics can be beneficial.

What is the work environment like for maths teachers?

Location: Most maths teachers work in educational institutions such as elementary, middle, and high schools, or at colleges and universities.
Hours: Typically, they work school hours, but often have additional hours for lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities or office hours. Some teachers might also teach evening classes.
Classroom Environment: This varies by school, but most teachers have their own classrooms equipped with teaching aids, computers, and other necessary tools.
Interactions: Regular interactions with students, parents, other teachers, and school administrators.
Challenges: Like other educators, maths teachers may face challenges such as large class sizes, limited resources, or addressing diverse student needs.

Can I be a maths teacher without a maths degree?

It depends on the region and the educational level you aim to teach. For primary or elementary school levels, a general teaching degree might suffice. However, for higher levels, especially high school and beyond, most institutions prefer or require a degree in mathematics or a related field. Alternative certification programs exist in many regions that allow people with degrees in other fields to become certified teachers after completing specific coursework and teaching experiences.

Sources

Society for Education & Teaching. (n.d.) Home. [online] Available at: https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/ [accessed 22/09/23] 

GOV.UK. (n.d.) Request a basic DBS check. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record [accessed 22/09/23] 

Prodigy Game (2022) New Maths vs Old Maths: What Parents Need to Know. [online] Available at:  https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/new-math-vs-old-math/ [accessed 22/09/23]  

It might be a company whose work involves little to none of the subjects, but if you’re looking for a job with no formal English and Maths qualifications it can really set you back. So, what is it that employers are looking for when they demand them?

It is a debate that has raged for centuries – what are the right levels of Maths and English to expect in employees?

Education in the UK has not always been available freely or to all. And when it was made available to boys and girls, there were differences in what they were taught. Likewise, there were no expectations for the lower classes to have a high level of education, let alone to read and write or perform a calculation.

Education is now open to everyone in the UK to access as they want, can and need to. There are still debates raging within education from class sizes to schools being ‘exam factories’.

And then, there are employers who tell us that the skills they want and need in employees are not there. They are concerned about lack of basic, fundamental skills, two of which are English and Maths.

But what are we really talking about here? Is it language or literacy? Is it being able to perform specialist equations or apply numeracy across work tasks?

Numeracy or Maths?

Sometimes, when employers and unions talk about employees lacking in mathematical prowess, they are talking about numeracy (or lack of). Is there a difference?

Some people argue that there is: maths, they say, is the study of specialist mathematical concepts whereas numeracy is the ability to grasp mathematical concepts and how they apply in the real world.

For example, if a small tub of margarine weighing 500g is priced at a special deal of £1, which is the better way to buy 1kg of the product? Would it be two 500g tubs or a 1kg tub at £1.98?

Numeracy is about the basic mathematical concepts that we need to be able to understand basic concepts and apply to real life such as managing personal finances, being able to perform simple, yet important arithmetic when at work such as mathematical concepts of averages – median, mean and so on – as well as frequency.

Some employers and unions say that in recent years, school-leavers have lacked these basic numeracy and maths skills that are so vital when trying to get a job.

Literacy or English?

Again, it is easy to become confused especially with the increasing multi-cultural society we live in. We assume that when employers talk about English, they are referring to people having a certain level of English language ability in terms of speech and understanding.

Like numeracy is the application of mathematical concepts, literacy is the everyday application of English language. But literacy is more than just have words or being able to read.

It is about comprehension. That is, the ability to understand the different ‘modes’ of the English language that we will come across.

This is sometimes referred to as information literacy. As an employee, your employer needs you to be able to read, write, spell, listen and speak to a certain standard but that you can also change or modify the way that you do these things to fit appropriately with the circumstances.

For example, you can write an email that is formal, yet friendly. You are able to follow written instructions, as well as converse with customers in a way that is open, friendly and courteous.

Thinking Skills and IT

Caught up in the wider circles of English and Maths, literacy and numeracy are two other skills that employers also want and need in order for their businesses to thrive;

Interested in looking at thinking skills further? Consider theories such as Bloom’s Taxonomy, DeBono’s thinking skills and Lipman’s modes.

The importance of English and Maths

Referred to in schools and colleges as core subjects, maths and English are essential subjects. So, as you deliberate completing a distance learning A Level English Literature  or an online English GCSE course you may be wondering why they are such important subjects.

After all, as an engineer, you may not be expected to write a short story, but you will be expected to write a report, read others and apply mathematical principles. As a retail worker, you will need a high level of numeracy and spoken English too.

They are seen as basic, fundamental skills and subjects on which the other essential skills and abilities are built. It has also been found that;

There are also issues linked to low numeracy levels which can have an impact on the person and this means that in turn, there is an impact on business as well as wider implications for the economy.

For someone with poor numeracy skills…

The emerging picture is clear: the ability to use both Maths and English in an everyday setting is important not just for work, but for the emotional, social and physical well-being of people. Many experts believe this is because people will have a higher level of understanding of the world around them when they have a higher numeracy and literacy rate, and that they can advocate on behalf of themselves better.

In a work environment, it is essential that people understand the world around them and that Maths and English are the building blocks not only for future skills and qualifications, for us to develop as people too.

In Summary

We use maths and English more than we think or realise, from sending text messages to being in charge of the company’s social media platforms. They are subjects that contain basic, underlying principles that play out in the real world all around us.

Ensuring you have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English is essential. But you can upskill yourself in these valuable subjects, completing courses such as a distance learning A level English Literature course or a Maths course will highlight that you do have the ability to use language and maths in everyday situations. We offer a variety of online GCSE Courses which you can purchase online. We also can provide you the opportunity to undertake your A levels online.

Maths and numeracy are two key skills that can significantly boost your chances of getting a job. But why?

Across All Career Choices

Many people fall into the mode of thinking that maths and numeracy are key skills for only a few jobs, such as being a teacher or an accountant. But, math skills are used every day in a wide range of other careers.

For example, a nurse needs to be able to perform simple calculations relating to medication; failure to do so could result in someone being made ill from the wrong dose. Fashion designers, architects, surveyors, butchers, bakers, teaching assistants… you name it! There is not one career that is not informed by the need for a good working knowledge of maths and numeracy.

Now that we have established that Maths knowledge is important across many career areas, we need to look at why. Here are just a few ideas of why maths plays an important daily role in any job you do:

Handling money, giving the correct change, and performing basic mental arithmetic are all essential when it comes to accurately handling money.

Some job roles will involve taking and recording measurements. This can be a pilot working out how much fuel he or she needs to fly across the Atlantic, or a logistic manager working out if they have enough warehouse floor space to accommodate an order.

It could also be the tailor taking measurements for a bespoke suit, or a TA working with children to calculate the mass and volume of various materials. The possibilities are endless.

Maths is about calculating and coming up with precise data. This is never more important than when looking at and reading maps. There are many job roles that require looking at maps and calculating distances, such as lorry drivers, pilots, farmers and more…

Sometimes information is given not in the form of written words but in the shape of digits, data and graphs.

This information needs to be interpreted – what are the numbers and digits telling you? This is called quantitive information, and it is the hard facts on which many companies will base their decision.

For example, a social media manager needs to interpret the analytics that the program is giving them in relation to a recent online campaign. They need to show how valuable and successful the campaign has been in order to design future campaigns.

Look at Data in a Different Way

Data gives you a certain amount of information, but someone good at maths can play around with this information and extrapolate even more.

This is about reasoning processes. The good news is that you don’t have to be a maths genius to be able to drill deeper into what the figures are telling you.

Companies and businesses sometimes want a more analytical approach to problems. This means having someone who can look at the hard data objectively rather than apply emotion.

Find Solutions to Problems

Every business wants as high a level of productivity as possible, with no bottlenecks and no issues. And yet, when there is a problem the solution is often ‘ill-fitting’.

Having mathematic skills means that you have the powers of reasoning and investigation necessary to seek a solution that is a better fit.

For example, on a production line, why is the same amount of goods produced on days when there is less staff on hand as when the production line is fully staffed? It is an interesting conundrum and suggests that economies of scale are reached. Someone good at maths can assess this issue.

When these economies are passed, the process becomes wasteful. With a strong mathematical thought process, you could work out what is happening and why, as then develop solutions.

Many people who have a natural and learnt mathematical aptitude are often naturally organised.

This is not just in how they organise their desk but in regards to their approach in general. They can think in a clear way, producing strategies for getting things done that revolutionise a work process.

But, I’m no good at maths…

Maths is a subject area that will either fill you with horror or make you clap your hands with glee. We teach ourselves that maths is hard by remembering days of complex-looking algebra that made no sense and other mathematical concepts that we say we ‘have never used since’.

But you have, you just didn’t realise that you were using them. Employers want people with a strong mathematical knowledge, which is why many employees are now looking to distance learning maths courses to equip them with the knowledge and the analytical thinking skills that so many employers are looking for when they hire for lucrative positions.

How do you think maths is used in your current role?