Why Mathematics?
Some people ask me why I chose to specialise as a mathematics teacher rather than an IT teacher. I did look into that option, but I was not impressed by the National Curriculum for Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
To be fair, it is impossibly difficult for any organization to provide up-to-date exams and certifications on such fast-changing technologies. I worked for Microsoft's Training and Certification group so I understand the issues!
Conversely, most of the mathematics taught as part of the National Curriculum have been well understood for literally thousands of years. The challenge is to help children learn it. And that's what I am most interested in... seeing the light bulb brighten when a child "gets it" will be very satisfying.
My PGCE Application Personal Statement
Describe briefly your reasons for wanting to teach giving the relevance of your previous education and details of any teaching experience, including visits to schools and other work with young people. Providers are interested to know the range of skills you will bring to the course, for example; practical experience, managing people, working with/leading a team, communication skills etc.
The two simple reasons for wanting to teach children are a) I will enjoy it and b) I will be good at it. I would make a good teacher because I have the necessary qualities such as professionalism, enthusiasm, patience, creativity, respect for diversity, and the flexibility to adapt and think on my feet. I have a natural curiosity about the world and get pleasure from learning about life and passing that on to others.
Mathematics is everywhere, especially when one takes a broader view than simple numeracy. It's about reason and logic and abstract thinking. It can be fun and satisfying, like solving a Sudoku puzzle or playing a strategy game.
I enjoy teaching a range of ages from pre-schoolers to adults. I find it fascinating to read to my nieces and nephews and ask questions about the story and what they can see in the drawings. It makes me want to understand how children think and learn. I look forward to studying how best to motivate young people to succeed academically and socially.
I will bring a range of skills to the course including almost two decades of business experience but also my joy of mentoring. In 2005 I took a sabbatical to go back to school and study screenwriting in Vancouver, Canada. I enjoyed being a student again, but got most satisfaction from helping my classmates who were straight out of college and appreciated a mature student's advice.
As a freelance trainer and programmer I go into many different types of organization and see how they operate (good and bad!) I have extensive practical experience of working in teams, managing others including setting boundaries and managing expectations.
My communication skills are one of my strongest attributes. Unlike some workers in technical fields I have proven that I can clearly communicate complex concepts and transfer skills to others. I absorb new knowledge and skills quickly but thoroughly and can then adapt how I teach for different learning styles such as kinetic or visual.
In June I visited two secondary schools and observed current teaching methods and issues and realized how vital my existing skills will be, but also how much there will be to learn on a PGCE. During one lesson the teacher indicated she would be happy for me to participate. I enjoyed jumping in and helping some pupils who were struggling. I was encouraged by the schools discipline procedure and saw it used consistently by teachers. I'm looking forward to reflecting on what I observed in more detail during my interview.
Every role I have taken on has evolved a mentoring or training component. One could say that teaching is part of my DNA. Over the years I have learnt that I get much more pleasure from seeing someone else achieve their goals, or being part of a team that succeeds, than any solo accomplishment I might have.
My Computer Science degree included a large maths component, however, I would like to do a Mathematics Enhancement Course to ensure a rock solid foundation and so that I can focus on pedagogy during my PGCE.
I expect to love being a teacher, knowing that I am doing something worthwhile and making a positive difference in children's lives. I can't imagine doing anything more rewarding.