With a full or part-time maths teacher job, you’ll be at the heart of the classroom, teaching an often complex subject to students, igniting their passion for numbers and the huge part they play in every aspect of our lives.
Maths teachers are one of the key roles supporting the curriculum. There were over 35,000 staff teaching in 2020/21 according to government statistics, and the subject’s place at the heart of the crucial English Baccalaureate (EBacc) means maths teacher jobs are always available.
Yet, whether you're a newly qualified teacher fresh out of training or a maths specialist with decades of experience under your belt, finding your next maths teacher job can be complex.
You may have the excellent communications skills and ability to motivate that the job calls for, but how can you better apply for maths teacher jobs and land the right role for your skillset?
To learn how, read our helpful Q&A advice below and get the most out of your application.
how can you find maths teacher jobs?
Schools are always on the lookout for qualified and engaging maths teachers. Ofsted’s 2021 Mathematics research review notes that the subject is currently experiencing a teaching shortage. What’s more, only 54% of teachers in 2020 had a relevant degree in subjects experiencing a shortage, compared to 68% in other areas, according to the Education Policy Institute (EPI).
As a result, if you’re qualified and motivated, you'll have an excellent chance of securing a fantastic role in a great school.
Maths teacher jobs are advertised all year round, especially for day-to-day, long-term and fixed-term roles. Jobs are typically posted on recruitment sites like Randstad, alongside government websites. There is often a peak in permanent maths teacher job vacancies around Easter time as teachers retire or move on, mindful of their successors’ September start dates.
There are many routes you can take to ensure you have the right skills to hand before you apply for a maths teacher job. Check out our guide on how to become a maths teacher to learn more or view our maths teacher jobs.
what’s the maths teacher job application process?
So, once you’ve found a promising maths teacher job and are content you’ve got the skills to match, there’s plenty you can do to supercharge your application and your chances of success.
For most roles, you’ll need to fill out an application form and provide your CV and cover letter. You may also have to write a personal statement detailing your strengths and experience in teaching mathematics before being called for an interview. When writing your application, make sure to:
- Do your homework – If you can, visit the school and get a feel for the teaching style and ethos. It’ll give you a better idea of what they are looking for.
- Avoid silly mistakes – Make sure you check through your maths teacher job application carefully to ensure you’re answering the questions correctly.
- Check spelling and grammar – Sure, you’re not teaching English, but it’s simply professional to thoroughly check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send your application.
- Make a great personal statement – Try to answer the criteria listed in the advert, explaining how you meet them and why you’re right for the job. Use measurable achievements as examples of your skills.
- Ask for feedback – Always ask for feedback if you don’t get shortlisted. It can be invaluable in helping you to improve your next application.
what should I specifically highlight on my maths teacher job application?
The specific things you should focus on in your maths teacher job application depend on your experience.
Newly qualified teachers:
- As an NQT you might not have much classroom work history, so be sure to highlight any relevant volunteering, placements and work experience you have undertaken.
- Focus on skills you have acquired through your education journey to become a maths teacher and any extra-curricular activities you might have been involved in. For example, if you were captain of a sports team at your university, you could use this as evidence of your teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Experienced teachers:
- Discuss your most recent maths teacher job role, what you learned from it and the skills and experience you can bring to the position you’re applying for.
- Highlight any specific projects you have been involved with. For example, you might have been instrumental in fundraising for extra equipment at your last school or set up an after-school study programme for students.
Whatever level you’re applying for, make sure to check out our teacher CV template for more information on what to include.
how to prepare for a maths teacher job interview
Yes, they’re nerve-wracking, but there’s plenty you can do to make sure your maths teacher job interview runs smoothly and you provide the best possible impression.
Before the interview:
- Find out all you can about the school. Search for its Ofsted report, latest exam performance and recent news. Make use of online teacher forums to get an alternate, on-the-ground view.
- Ensure you’re familiar and up to date with all the latest developments in the maths curriculum. The government’s statutory guidance can be a good place to start.
- Keep an eye out for news stories on the latest trends in the field, new teaching methods or government education announcements that might feed into your interview.
- Make sure you know where you‘re going and how to get there, leaving yourself plenty of time so you don’t arrive late and flustered.
During the interview:
- Expect to answer questions not just about maths teaching, but about topics including how current government policy affects education and pastoral care, and what your behaviour management strategy is to engage pupils.
- Take your time answering. Think through your responses as opposed to rushing headlong into them.
- Be polite, smile and be positive. Self-reflection is good but always avoid negativity and instead concentrate on how something has improved your teaching ability.
Time spent preparing for your maths teacher job interview will pay off, allowing you to be more confident delivering well-researched and prepared answers packed with clear examples and achievements.
To help you have the best possible chance of securing the role, view our video guide and check out our range of maths teacher interview questions – perfect for revision. Need help finding a role?