Any advice on becoming a maths teacher?

EllaBeagle

I have trawled through threads to see if there are any similar but can´t find any apologies if there are any the same.

I have completed an NVQ Level 2 and a Level 3 Diploma in Accounting but for a few reasons have changed my mind about going into that profession for alot of reasons and alot of bad experiences.

Anyhoo, as accounting is mostly based on maths and I´ve always had an interest in teaching too I would like to look into becoming a maths teacher but I´m not sure where to start.

I have an appointment with college next week to discuss this but just wondered if there are any websites or professional bodies I can have a look at before hand for more information on whats involved in the job, whats involved in the training and whether my current qualifications will count so I can start on a higher level?

Is there certain courses for becoming a maths teacher or is it just a teaching qualification?

Thanks.

heretolearn_2

The site for guidance on teacher training is https://www.tda.gov.uk

My understanding is that you basically have 3 options at the moment

1) Do a maths teaching degree (4 years)
2) Do a maths degree then follow up with one year post grad teacher training course
3) Do a maths degree and get a place to train for a year 'on the job' in a school

It may be possible to have a different degree to maths as long as there is a fair bit of maths involved, and you do a conversion course? I'm not sure if NVQ accounting will be a lot of help, possibly get you credit for 1st year of maths degree? Accounting and maths don't have a huge amount in common, to be honest!

after which you still aren't quite fully qualified, you have to do a certain amount of time in practical teaching and pass various assessments to get your QTS. Also all teachers have to pass tests in maths, literacy and computer skills, regardless of the subject they teach.

EllaBeagle

heretolearn wrote: »

The site for guidance on teacher training is www.tda.gov.uk

My understanding is that you basically have 3 options at the moment

1) Do a maths teaching degree (4 years)
2) Do a maths degree then follow up with one year post grad teacher training course
3) Do a maths degree and get a place to train for a year 'on the job' in a school

It may be possible to have a different degree to maths as long as there is a fair bit of maths involved, and you do a conversion course? I'm not sure if NVQ accounting will be a lot of help, possibly get you credit for 1st year of maths degree? Accounting and maths don't have a huge amount in common, to be honest!

after which you still aren't quite fully qualified, you have to do a certain amount of time in practical teaching and pass various assessments to get your QTS. Also all teachers have to pass tests in maths, litercy and computer skills, regardless of the subject they teach.

Thanks! Will have a good look through the website. Wow it seems even more work than carrying on with the accounting :eek: but I´m sure it would be worth it. I don´t know an awful lot about degrees so would it be straight onto a degree and study that for 4 years or would I have to go to college first? I thought degrees involved you going to college for so long then university?

Rebecca01

You could also try the TES forums theres alot of advice on there.

I think Here to learn summed it all up though.

Rebecca01

You can go to college to get A levels but theres other routes onto a degree such as a foundation year or other equivalent qualifications.

I teach Maths now , but did a science PGCE. I did A levels, degree, then PGCE. There are other routes though.

You could search for a degree your interested in, Look at the UCAS website, then see what the course requirements are.

patchi

A lot of Universities are turning their 4 year degree (with QTS) into 3 year degrees (with QTS), so have a look around. If you can re-locate that is.

Competition for teacher training courses is fierce, so make sure you gain relevant qualifications/knowledge and experiences. Volunteering with the scouts/brownies/youth groups will really help in this area. You can try and volunteer in schools, but this is becoming harder and harder due to safeguarding, child protection etc.

If your serious about teacher training, regardless of the route be prepared for the workload, especially if you end up doing the degree, followed by the PGCE route. It is a lot of hard work but it is worth it in the end

EllaBeagle

Thanks everyone!

Ahhhhhh can´t get my head around all the abbreviations such as 2ft hon bsc and 3ft hon bsc.

It says on the 2ft hon bsc the entry requirements are:

Relevant HND or HNC or Part 1 of a degree course (120 credits) plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above or equivalent. Please consult Edge Hill for confirmation of acceptable alternatives or availability of Entry Tests. Evidence of secondary school experience is recommended. Medical Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure from CRB will be required of all entrants.

I take it I won´t qualify just yet? I got a D in GCSE maths too

How do I find out how many credits I have? Or UCAS points? omg I think I need to read up on all of this beforehand otherwise I´m going nowhere.

Blackpool_Saver

Maths is nothing like accounts, I did accounts for years, my arithmetic is sound but my maths is average

EllaBeagle

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Maths is nothing like accounts, I did accounts for years, my arithmetic is sound but my maths is average

Having thought about it and looking back at the maths I did at school I have to agree :eek: algebra and angles etc!! I´m probably clutching at straws at the hope I could have used my accounting towards something else but when it comes down to it there was only really percentages and standard calculations used in accounting. Calculator and the likes of sage does everything for you really. Its knowing the whole accounting process thats the main thing as apposed to maths.

MoneySavingUser

EllaBeagle wrote: »

Anyhoo, as accounting is mostly based on maths and I´ve always had an interest in teaching too I would like to look into becoming a maths teacher but I´m not sure where to start.

Sorry but I have to disagree - the type of Maths that people do at Degree level (which is what you need to do now) is a lot more advanced than the average thing you come across in general Accounting

You only really use complex math in Accounting when using specific formulas to value companies/shares/future obligations under finance leases and other advanced topics (i.e. topics done in the latter stages of professional accounting qualifications usually) and a lot of this doesn't come up in the workplace unless you are working for a large company

So if you want to become a Maths teacher then I wish you the best however don't think that because you have done Accounting you know what to expect from a Degree level Maths course

I did an Accounting degree and so far in the workplace I have not used any of the complex math taught in my degree - and friends who did a Maths degree called it easy math!

For UCAS points see: http://www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/

You'll need to resit GCSE Maths and get C or higher

Think very carefully before you commit to this path

MoneySavingUser

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Maths is nothing like accounts, I did accounts for years, my arithmetic is sound but my maths is average

You are correct - an accounting tutor at university once said "accounting isn't maths it is just complex arithmetic"