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Original poster

Can I become a maths teacher?

19 replies

Verycold · 05/07/2014 17:07

I have a maths A level, but am 41 and have not done maths since school.

I have QTS and currently teach MFL.

Any possibility to convert?

OP posts:
Original poster
Verycold · 05/07/2014 17:19

Maths A level grade A if that helps!

OP posts:
cuggles · 05/07/2014 18:05

yes I bet many schools would bite your hand off...have you been teaching long? I dont want to out myself but am currently on my third subject in secondary...same school! If you are good, they will want you and you can transfer your skills...a good teacher is a good teacher. I put lots of time into gaining subject knowledge in my non-specialisms which obviously makes life harder for me but keeps things fresh I guess. Why do you want to change? I think you still need a passion for the subject you are changing to..I did have that even if it wasnt the one I did my degree in (which was PE and most of us change from that in the end!)

Original poster
Verycold · 05/07/2014 18:17

So do you think I should just jump in and apply for maths jobs?

OP posts:
CharlesRyder · 05/07/2014 18:21

Yes, there is a HUGE maths shortage.

Just apply for jobs.

Smartiepants79 · 05/07/2014 18:23

Apply.
Just make sure you've got a suitable reply to questions about how you will make sure you're up to speed with the curriculum.

cuggles · 05/07/2014 19:27

yep..go for it..why not!?

funchum8am · 05/07/2014 19:36

Go for it, I have taught 7 subjects in 9 years and not in such a shortage area, you'll get a job...they may not let you loose on A level at first but should be fine for ks3 and 4.

profpoopsnagle · 05/07/2014 19:43

There was training available for teachers wishing to convert, a quick google suggests that funding may not longer be available but it's worth perhaps looking into
post SKE courses

I would also suggest having a look at MEI courses, they are very good and may help with the pedagogy of maths teaching.

TheLateMrsLizCromwell · 05/07/2014 19:50

You are likely to be snapped up! When I applied to teach another subject and the Teaching Agency found out that I had A level maths (grade D, GCSE grade C Grin) they cold-called me like a bunch of double-glazing salesmen to try to convince me to do maths instead, or even physics, and I failed that GCSE.
No offence to real maths teachers, but as the old saying goes, if you stuck a broom handle up in a corner and called it a maths teacher it would be hired... On my PGCE course, the maths and physics people got away with murder in terms of their academic output, because there was no way they were going to be failed - they themselves were amazed by it.

Original poster
Verycold · 05/07/2014 20:56

A course would be great... Shame they seem to have been stopped.

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zirca · 06/07/2014 09:42

Perhaps tutor to that level for a while first - then you can get your subject knowledge back up to speed in a less pressurized way.

Original poster
Verycold · 06/07/2014 12:01

Good idea thank you

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woodlands01 · 07/07/2014 21:37

Serious shortage. You are in a very strong position. I have seen Maths jobs advertised for 'non specialists' offering KS3 teaching only to begin with.
Get a CV together and phone around your local schools. I predict you will be snapped up.
Buddy up with a decent Maths teacher at your school to ask for some advice. Most very willing to do this. I support a PE teacher in my department. Its fab - she plans independently and then runs them past me for advice or input. She is really enthusiastic and it works brilliantly.

partialderivative · 09/07/2014 16:04

I do not doubt your enthusiasm to teach, but it does worry me (as a maths teacher) when you have not studied maths for so long.

But the truth is that if there is a shortage of teachers, better fill them with folk who have been successful at A'level.

Hopefully KS4 and above will have teachers who have graduated in a mathematical subject.

It does matter! It's not just about passing exams, it's about passing on a passion for the subject.

Original poster
Verycold · 09/07/2014 22:04

Partial I fully understand and share your concern. I did love maths at school and wish in a way I had studied it. Just not sure I could afford the time and cost of doing a degree in it now!

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partialderivative · 09/07/2014 23:04

Verycold, you do come across in a very good light (that will sound patronising, so sorry!)

And I know there are some really good courses designed for teachers in your position.

My worry is that there maths didn't all come together for a number of years for me.

'FOR ME'!

You may well be more mature than me in this, you certainly wouldn't be the first by a long way.

Noodledoodledoo · 12/07/2014 07:40

Although there is a shortage not every school will snap up non specialists. I know my school would rather readvertise than take someone they werent sure of.

We had a non specialist teaching last year for a yearvand their classes have had a lot to do this year as they missed at lot out all KS3 luckily. Flip side is we do have non specialists teaching who are fab but only one class a year not full timetable.

I would ask your current school if you could maybe borrow some booksvto refresh prob higher GCSE would be good to look at during the summer. Might be a bit late but our timetable is not finalised yet but also worth letting them know as you might be considered to teach in current school.

mnistooaddictive · 12/07/2014 07:46

You need a maths SKE + course. The one run by Plymouth Uni ( CIMT) is great, I don't know about the others.

Cherrypi · 12/07/2014 07:46

Though there is a reason there is a shortage. It is the most thankless subject to teach.

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