National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics

There have been some great #Nuture1314 posts by English, PE and History teachers, but I’ve not seen many by the Mathematicians. This is my second blog and I’m a Maths teacher and hopefully, this will be one of many. I’ve got to say that it’s not been as easy as I thought. Here it is…

2013

New Year – New school, students, colleagues, job role and responsibility. Pow! Hit the ground running? Understatement. I have been busy every day but it’s been rewarding.
Students – Even though I have been one of many Maths teachers for most of my classes (since I started in January 2013), I have gained the trust of my students. It’s been up and down at times but they know that I care, they know that I’m fair and best of all (as far as they are concerned), I’m prepared to have a sing and a laugh.
Gaining accreditation as a Specialist Leader of Education (some of my colleagues laughed and thought I was mad to want to take a position of responsibility with no payment). It has been hard work but I’ve enjoyed it. There have been a lot of opportunities to work with teachers from other schools and in other subject areas – this has helped me grow as an individual and as a teacher.
Starting a new job as a Lead Practitioner in Mathematics in a new school. This was a little scary as I knew what was expected but was still struggling to get my head around what to do on day 1. Having to hit the ground running and share ways of improving Teaching & Learning, has been a challenge. I’m getting better but I can see where I need to improve.
Working outside of my comfort zone (well, outside of the Cabot Learning Federation). I was nervous, I didn’t know anyone but I ‘performed’ well. I’ve run workshops before and since, but I’ve always presented to Secondary School Mathematics Teachers. Researching and delivering a workshop on Behaviour for Learning to Primary & Secondary Teachers and across varied subject areas actually wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.
Workshops for the CLF – Led three different workshops in one day (with the support of my Principal, a Vice Principal and a Head of Science, I did it!)
Getting involved in a research project. At the back end of 2013 I got involved in a research project funded by the NCETM. It’s been good finding out what differences there are between the teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools as opposed to what my colleagues are currently doing in Primary.
Never Stop Learning – @MrOCallaghanEdu asked me if I wanted to work with a team of Pedagogy Leaders and I said yes. It’s his baby, his brand and a great idea. I can’t wait for the Genius Cafe and the Teach Meet in 2014 @NSLHub. Thanks for introducing me to Twitter and Blogging…
Twitter – I kept saying that I’d look into it and I am glad I have. It’s been good to share and obtain tips from other like minded individuals. It has provided some great links to resources, blogs and more.
Blogging – I can’t say that I had planned to do it but it has made me think carefully about my views, what I want to say and not what others think I should be saying. I just want to keep writing…yup, I know, it doesn’t sound like a comment a Maths teacher would make.
Coaching & Mentoring – Amidst the myriad of tasks, I am an NQT mentor and a coach for a PGCE student (via a Teaching School). There have been tears, a firm word here and there and some advice that has been passed along but I think that my two young ladies are doing an amazing job (I’m just their sounding board and little tweaker).
Smiling and saying hello – This has been a habit of mine for some time now but it’s not something that everyone does. It’s been good bringing a little cheer to someone’s day and besides, most people can’t resist smiling back (try it!).
Husband – Okay, so this is the one that is the most important. He’s still here, still supportive and my best friend! We can even talk Maths together and he’s not a Maths teacher…now that’s grand!

14 Hopes (including a few promises to myself)

Husband – Spend more quality time with the chap…yes I know dear, just one more lesson to plan, just need to finish marking these tests then I’ll be ready…
Weekends & Half Term – I must stop, gather my thoughts, breath and relax (must remember number 1!).
Time Management – This is my first blog and pretty much covers what I’m thinking “How-much-time-do-you-need?“.
Homework – Be consistent in setting it for all of my classes. I must try #takeawayhomework with at least one of my classes. This is one of the great #100ideas by @TeacherToolkit – still reading)
Speaking – I know that I come across as calm, collected individual but I want (and need) to be a truly confident speaker…I was always a quiet child!
Primary Schools – As part of the NCETM research project, I have been paired up with a primary school in Bristol and we will share teaching experiences as well as visit each other.
Students – Continue helping/guiding them on their journey to being amazing.
Read – I want to read more!
TV – watch less of it.
Bicycle – I have a beautiful bike, I love riding it and need to make sure I either get out on the roads or use that BKool Trainer that I bought last year.
Teach Meet – Attend my first Teach Meet
Twitter & Blogging – I must not give up.
Paper – Make more shapes
Christmas 2014 – Be prepared.