Maths Scholars share experiences, develop and grow
Maths Scholar Sally Tattershall explains why being a Maths scholar makes such a difference to her experience of teaching maths. Will you join her?
When I started my teacher-training course, like many others I had no previous experience working in education. Granted I had done several days’ work experience in different schools before applying to my course. However, I was unaware until I started my course in September just how important support within the teaching community is. This might be sharing resources, giving and receiving support or just sharing your experiences with peers. This communication and help from peers at the same stage as myself is so helpful.
Sally Tattershall has enjoyed being a Maths Scholar
Those who have been in the profession for years give advice that is absolutely key to succeeding in the teaching profession. At least once a week I will receive the advice ‘don’t reinvent the wheel’, and this is the most useful piece of advice I have received since I started as a trainee teacher.
Being a Maths Scholar means I have access to a huge range or online resources as I am given free subscriptions to several excellent websites that have contributed massively to the most successful lessons I have delivered and help my ideas to flow. I am also part of a large community of exceptional maths trainees who are in the same position as myself. We all have a passion for the teaching of mathematics as they have gone through the same process as myself. This is hugely beneficial. As although I get to share my experiences with those on my course, speaking to those who teach in a different part of the country or are teaching in a different style of school on a different course provides me with an insight to the wider successes and improvements required in teaching. Sharing experiences with these trainees also allows the sharing of ideas and teaching techniques and I often go away and try those that I particularly liked.
The free events that the Institute of Mathematics put on for the scholars are extremely valuable. They provide tonnes of resources that I have since used countless times in the classroom and they also discuss key themes in education and pedagogy. All the speakers are approachable and make an effort to give you support with any queries you have. It may be the case on many courses that while you are working in a maths department, you don’t receive as much support and advice as you’d like, particularly from an expert, and those in schools are sometimes biased or negative. Experts at these events allow you to speak openly without fear that it may compromise your position or job prospects and you know you will get an honest discussion that is backed up with years of research in the profession.
If you are considering making an application for a maths initial teacher training course then do check out the Maths scholars scheme. There are a number of significant benefits in becoming a maths scholar:
- Receive a £27,500 bursary
- Enjoy free membership to a number of prestigious societies
- Experience a lift to your CV
- Benefit from regular stimulating maths events
- Participate in debates
- Meet other like-minded maths teachers
Why not check out whether you are eligible to apply now.
- Sally Tattershall