What makes a great maths teacher?

Pinpointing what is needed to successfully teach mathematics is a vexing and complex issue, but the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (2006) divides standards for excellence in teaching mathematics into three broad areas:

1. Knowledge of students, mathematics, and how students learn mathematics: put differently, good maths teachers understand the needs of their students, they have excellent mathematical knowledge and skills, and they adopt quality pedagogical approaches.

2. Personal attributes that lead to quality: including effective teaching and communication skills, a genuine interest in their subject, and a commitment to best practice and improvement. For example, excellent maths teachers will engage with other communities such as teachers and professional bodies.

3. Quality practices: including setting up a positive learning environment, and a high standard in terms of planning and teaching approaches, assessment, and reporting of outcomes.

While these are Australian standards, they give us a good understanding of the type of standard expected for mathematics teachers. There will most likely be a version in your country of employment, and we encourage you to find and read them to give you a starting point.

Share in the comment section below what you think makes a good maths teacher.

Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers. Standards for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in Australian Schools [Internet]. Adelaide (AU): Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers; 2006. Available from: https://aamt.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Standard-of-Excellence.pdf