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Secondary Maths Teacher 

Secondary School Maths Teachers teach mathematics to mixed ability groups of pupils aged between 11 and 16 years’ old (Key Stages 3 and 4). Their key role is to ensure that their pupils gain a well-rounded knowledge of both fundamental and advanced mathematics.  

 

What does a Secondary Maths Teacher do? 

Maths is a subject many find hard to grasp, but it is also one of the most important national curriculum subjects. Therefore, as a Maths Teacher, it is vital that you’re passionate about mathematics and how it is applied to the everyday, across other subjects and, in later life.

 

Becoming a Secondary Maths Teacher is an ideal opportunity to take on a challenging role. Utilising a variety of teaching methods and new developments in the curriculum, you can inspire your pupils to understand and enjoy Maths. You will be suited to this position if you can develop an energetic and hands-on teaching style that clearly explains complex mathematical equations to pupils of different experiences and abilities. You will also need to present the information in a way that demonstrates not just the what, but also the why and the how.

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Within the position of Maths Teacher in a secondary school, your classes will contain pupils of various abilities, attitudes, and experiences. By engaging them in the subject, your aim will be to help each pupil achieve their potential.

 

As a teacher you will be expected to work closely with your fellow teachers, heads of school and support staff to plan the school’s work, develop ideas for lessons, and approaches to teaching. Through this work you will help shape a pupil’s knowledge of Maths and build on their essential skills.  

 

Is a Secondary Maths Teacher job a good fit for you? 

Becoming a Secondary Maths Teacher is a chance for you to refine your teaching skills and gain experience in a wide range of teaching methods, aids and approaches. This role could be perfect for you if relish using exciting and engaging teaching skills to bring Maths to life. 

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Your responsibilities as a Secondary Maths Teacher will include:

 

  • Planning and delivering effective lessons that meet the National Curriculum and are suitable for all pupils aged 11 to 16.
  • Ensuring all your lessons, units, and projects are clearly understood by your pupils.
  • Staying current with any changes and developments to the national teaching curriculum.
  • Working with your colleagues to coordinate lesson plans where other subjects can complement your Maths lessons.
  • Being able to adapt your instructional materials and teaching methods to meet the classes varying learning abilities.
  • Creating lesson plans that deliver a balance of instruction, demonstration, and work time, so that pupils are provided with the opportunity to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Being creative and enthusiastic about using different teaching methods, including solo work, group work, whole-class work, demonstrations, and experiments.
  • Oversee the work of the learning support staff and Teaching Assistants (TAs).
  • Following safeguarding procedures to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.
  • Attending meetings, parent’s evenings and participating in training and development sessions at the school or at other training organisations. 
  • Maintaining order amongst your pupils by enforcing rules for good behaviour. 
  • Creating a classroom environment where pupils work together to achieve their learning goals. 
  • Helping and supporting individual pupils as required and encouraging them to research topics themselves.
  • Keeping a register of pupils’ attendance, set assignments and homework, mark pupils work, record completion, write progress reports and carry out continuous assessment. 
  • Taking responsibility for the individual’s progress and development, feeding this information back to your Head of Department. 
  • Meeting with parents, guardians or carers to discuss their child/children’s progress in Maths and determine learning priorities and any needed resources. 
  • If required, give feedback to any relevant external bodies concerning the progress, behaviour and child protection issues. 
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Are you a good fit for a Secondary Maths Teacher job?

 

This role is a good fit if you want to make a difference to a pupil’s secondary education and learning progression. Through the application of engaging and interactive teaching methods, and your resourcefulness and commitment to teaching, you can assist your pupils to achieve the most from their academic career. But you need more than just teaching experience, you will need to have:

 

  • An excellent understanding of Maths as a National Curriculum subject. 
  • A variety of teaching methods and lesson plans that make Maths easier to learn. 
  • Commitment to producing a learning environment where your pupils want to achieve their full potential. 
  • The ability to hold your pupils’ interest, bringing a dynamic learning atmosphere.
  • A dedication to the promotion child welfare and safeguarding. 
  • The ability to calmly handle any stressful situations which may arise. 
  • Excellent organisational skills and concise verbal communication. 
  • A positive outlook and ability to inspire positivity in others. 
  • The ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 
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Qualifications, Licenses and Certifications 

 

To become a Secondary Maths Teacher, the essential qualifications required include:

 

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including Maths, English and Science.  
  • An Undergraduate Education Degree OR a degree in Maths and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE – Scotland).  
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) AND previous in-school teaching experience. 
  • Fluent in both spoken and written English.  
  • Pass an enhanced background check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

 

If you do not have all of the above requirement to become a Secondary Maths Teacher, then providing you have a Maths degree, you can enrol on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This will usually include your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as part of the course. 

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In addition to the essential qualifications, it will be helpful for you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are knowledgeable in your chosen subject and are resourceful. You will need to be able to create a positive and supportive learning environment, be trustworthy and ethical, and establish an empathetic and compassionate rapport with your pupils. 

 

Where can a Secondary Maths Teacher job take you?

 

To pursue a career as a Secondary Maths Teacher, you need to keep your teaching skills and knowledge of the Maths National Curriculum up-to-date.

 

After a few years in this position, your career progression could be to become Head of the Maths Department or even Vice Principle. If this is what interests you, try speaking to your Head of School or HR department about stepping up.

 

All the above information about the role of a Secondary Maths Teacher is useful as a point of reference for your performance evaluations and possible job promotion applications. 

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Where next?

 

To help with the next steps in your teacher training, click here for our advice.  

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