Richard M.
About me
| Richard M. | |
| Mathematics | |
| Mathematics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Vanbrugh | |
| 2008 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Teacher of Mathematics | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| Medium-size business (50-249 employees) | |
| 2010 | |
| 21000 | |
| 50000 |
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A day in the life of a Teacher of Mathematics in the United Kingdom
Secondary Head of Maths at a Northern Academy
My career goals when I graduated
To become a maths teacher and work towards head of department position.
My career history
Enrolled on PGCE Secondary Maths course at Sunderland University in September 2008, and upon completion gained employment with a local academy. Promoted to second in department after 4 years and head of department after 6.
What has helped my career to progress
Enthusiasm for both the job and maths. Wanting to make a difference to students.
Courses taken since graduation
PGCE in Secondary Mathematics.
CPD is ongoing throughout every year and there are too many courses to list, however everything helps in some way to improving your ability to teach.
How my studies have helped my career
Mathematical knowledge is invaluable, particularly when teaching the brightest students. In recent years I have been delivering training to new staff around teaching maths and improving their subject knowledge and pedagogy, my mathematical knowledge has allowed me to focus on the details and finer points of maths which has benefited me hugely.
What surprised me about my career so far
Everything. Good, bad, funny, stressful.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
At some point in the future I may considering moving up to senior leadership level, however currently I'm determined to make my department one of the best around.
My advice to students considering work
Research your potential career paths as much as possible, no matter whether you think it's for you or not, and if you can try to get experience in them. For a long time I was heading towards a financial career but after experiencing teaching I was completely sold on it.
My advice about working in my industry
Gain work experience before deciding to teach, it isn't for everyone and is very demanding but incredibly rewarding. There's nothing like it.
Contacting me
Happy to offer my advice to anyone considering teaching.
What I do
I currently work as a maths teacher and hold the position of head of department in a challenging academy in a northern city. Teaching lessons is obviously a large part of my day however being head of department my role has grown to include almost any and everything.
Skills I use and how I developed them
There is an almost endless list of skills you develop being a teacher, the obvious subject knowledge and teaching side of things is hugely important but as there is no such thing as a typical day you'll be amazed the skills you'll develop.
What I like most
Every day is different (a cliché but completely true), despite knowing the subject and having taught everything required, it is always a challenge to develop an even better way to teach to each individual class and student. Every class and child is different and when relationships are built with students it is the most rewarding part by far seeing them improve,
What I like least
Not having the chance to teach A Level maths currently, but am very happy at my current school and have sufficient challenge to be happy.
What surprised me most
Yesterday. It doesn't matter when you're reading this, even on a Sunday afternoon, as there is always something that is new and surprising.
Next steps...
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