What do Schools Think Makes a Good Mathematics Teacher?

Abstract

This paper describes the attributes of good mathematics teachers in the UK. These are derived from the material provided by 80 schools to applicants for mathematics teaching posts in the UK. The assumption is made that schools are trying to recruit the very best teacher and hence will have listed those attributes that they believe good teachers to have. Many of the attributes sought are not specifically about the teaching of mathematics. Indeed much about competency in the teaching of mathematics is assumed and not made explicit. The requirements of schools are compared and contrasted with the Standards detailed in current Initial Teacher Training requirements and the Career Entry Profile used by newly qualified teachers.