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£11.8 million to fund teachers for MaST programme |
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Programme to train primary school teachers to become mathematics specialists.
Up to 1500 more primary teachers will receive training to become mathematics specialists thanks to an £11.8 million investment.
Over 1600 primary teachers have already begun the Maths Specialist Teacher (MaST) programme, which is a national two-year Masters level course and was developed by Williams Mathematics Review.
The first wave of applications received a positive response from primary teachers. National Strategies advisors and higher education institutions are also reporting waiting lists in several local authorities.
A pilot programme began in October 2008, where over 50 teachers across seven local authorities received training to become specialist teachers in maths.
Many teachers reported that the programme helped them improve their subject knowledge and teaching methods, as well as improving their maths confidence and becoming better at sharing knowledge with other teachers.
Maths specialist teachers will improve teachers' knowledge and skills in teaching maths, improve pupil confidence, enjoyment and achievement in maths.
They will also help spread expertise in their own school, so that every teacher can improve their maths skills and create a local network of maths specialist teachers, who work together to improve maths teaching across the local area.
Schools Minister Diana Johnson said: "Skilling up our primary teachers to become maths experts will help get pupils excited about maths, and also inspire them to stay learning for longer."
"This programme will also help raise the bar on maths attainment and make sure our teachers become even more professional and remain highly respected, both at home and overseas."
Further information:
Maths Specialist Teacher programme |
