Teacher - Secondary School - Mathematics
Teach young people about numbers and shapes, and how to use mathematical skills for calculating, problem-solving, information-handling and analysis.
Also known as: maths and numeracy teacher
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£577
Entry level
£904
Experienced
Monthly
£2,500
Entry level
£3,917
Experienced
Yearly
£30,000
Entry level
£47,000
Experienced
29,300
people are currently employed
High growth
300 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would teach young people about numbers and shapes. You'd also show them how to use mathematical skills for calculating, problem-solving, algebraic thinking, information-handling and analysis.
As a maths teacher you’d inspire and motivate your pupils to develop their mathematical and numeracy skills. They would learn to understand how numbers work and the relevance of mathematics to daily life. You'd teach concepts such as using chance and risk assessment in decision-making.
You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.
You’d teach students of different ages and abilities. This included preparing young people to take National Qualifications and Highers in this subject.
There is national guidance for Curriculum for Excellence Mathematics and National Qualifications, which you would use when planning your teaching.
You would:
prepare lessons and teaching materials
assess students’ progress and mark their work
set homework
manage classroom behaviour
discuss students' progress with parents and carers
organise study trips, social activities and sports events
You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.
You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.
Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.
You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables, and work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Teacher - Secondary School - Mathematics'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Teacher - Secondary School - Physical Education Teacher - Secondary School Teacher - Secondary School - Gaelic Teacher - Secondary school - Computing Teacher - Secondary school - Design and technology Teacher - Secondary School - English Teacher - Secondary School - Biology Teacher - Secondary School - Geography Teacher - Secondary School - History Teacher - Secondary School - Religious Education Teacher - Secondary School - Home Economics Teacher - Secondary School - Art and Design Teacher - Secondary School - Chemistry Teacher - Secondary School - Physics Teacher - Secondary School - Business Studies Teacher - Secondary School - Music Teacher - Secondary School - Modern Studies Teacher - Secondary School - Modern Languages Teacher - Secondary School - Drama
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- ethical
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Mathematics
Applications of Mathematics
You'll need a mathematics degree (SCQF Level 9/10).
To become a qualified teacher, you'll need to complete a PGDE — Professional Graduate Diploma in Education — in Mathematics (SCQF level 11).
If you don't already have a degree, you can study a combined Honours in Professional Education (secondary) with Mathematics (SCQF Level 10) which combines maths with teacher training.
To enter a mathematics degree usually requires National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers at B or above. Some courses will require this in one sitting.
If you are applying to a PGDE (SCQF level 11), you will need a degree covering maths-related subjects such as algebra, analysis, calculus, geometry, statistics, differential equations or probability.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate the ability to work with children or young people, communication skills and experience using maths, finance, business and ICT skills will be helpful.
You will be expected to support literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing as well as your own subject.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.