Why Be a Teacher: My Journey to Teaching Mathematics

If you are wondering why be a teacher, in this essay I will share my experience with you. Throughout my school age, I was very good in Mathematics. Yet it wasn’t until I began secondary school, I discovered the passion for the subject when I started to develop the use of formal mathematical knowledge to interpret and solve problems. This motivate me to further my study, joined Swansea University where I gained first-class honours in MMaths (Master in Mathematics). Joining the university strengthened my mathematical knowledge and taught me to select appropriate concepts, methods, and techniques to apply to any mathematical problems. Besides I am AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualified and hold MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree from the University of Wales. Those qualifications enhanced my knowledge of leadership which contributes to be an outstanding teacher. Overall, I believe those qualifications and skills I have learned are very important for teaching students.

During my time as a volunteer mentor with SOVA Wales, I was engaged in supporting people from different background to achieve measurable outcomes such as jobs, training and volunteering placements. My role includes assisting and advising the service users in developing skills and appropriate attitudes that will assist them in achieving the goals in their personal action plan. Besides as a member the Eritrean community in Swansea, I am assisting community members of different educational level in any mathematical questions they have.

To gain professional experience, whilst I was studying, I have also worked as a university student demonstrator. As a demonstrator, I helped academic staffs in their routine teaching duties. I also provide proactive support to students engaged in practical work, answer their questions where possible and help them overcome any problems encountered. It was at this time that I learnt knowledge of the subject alone is not enough to teach. A proper teaching qualification is required to transfer your knowledge to others which I am eager to do that by joining the PGCE course.

So far, I was engaged in supporting people who are willingly asking for my help which is not challenging compared to teach in secondary school. However, I understand teaching in secondary school is very challenging. Although I didn’t get the chance to do work placements and teaching observation in secondary school, which I am planning to arrange in September when school begins, I am up for the challenge and will work hard to improve numeracy of the students. I think we all agree that understanding in maths can help us understand other subjects.

I enjoy reading, involve in any outdoor activities such as playing football, and basketball and visiting scenery places. However, my all-time ambition is to join to the outstanding teachers who are doing their best to tackle the poor numeracy that is affecting the life chances of our children. Being a father of three young children, I have a chance to meet different parents on my children school where I learnt being bad with numbers seems to be acceptable. As a future teacher, my plan is not only to help young children to overcome difficulties in numerical skill, to go beyond and reach out the wider community to change their attitude towards maths. However, I am looking forward to acquiring the qualification I need to help our young generation overcome the difficulties they face in numerical skill.