Becoming a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher (PDF)

What is the role of the mathematics specialist?

What is deep subject knowledge in mathematics?

What sort of pedagogical knowledge does a mathematics specialist need?

How can you best support your colleagues to improve mathematics teaching and learning?

Becoming a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher helps you explore the role of the specialist in promoting positive attitudes towards mathematics and developing the teaching and learning of mathematics in your primary school.

Illustrated throughout with classroom-based examples and referenced to relevant research, it is designed to support your development as a reflective practitioner who can confidently review and develop practice in your own classroom, as well as challenge and move the whole school forward through collaborative professional development. Essential topics explored include:

• The nature of the role of the primary mathematics specialist


• Understanding how attitudes to mathematics evolve, and why it is crucial to challenge and change negativity


• What we mean by deep subject knowledge in primary mathematics


• Pedagogical knowledge of how mathematics is taught and learned


• The skills of coaching and mentoring to support teachers and teaching assistants


• Unpicking the principles of progression for high quality teaching in all years groups


• The key features of deep subject knowledge and pedagogy in three areas of the curriculum: multiplication, time and data handling.

Becoming a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher is an essential source of guidance and ideas for all primary school teachers aiming to achieve Mathematics Specialist status or already taking this role, those studying primary mathematics as a specialism and at masters level, and for all primary mathematics co-ordinators.