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The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), the London Mathematical Society (LMS), the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), are continuing working together to deliver Mathematics Teacher Training Scholarships for a second year.
Building on the successes of the first pilot year, they want to encourage more well qualified and passionate applicants to become secondary maths teachers. The OECD Report, Skilled for Life? Key findings from the survey of adult skills, has again highlighted the importance of teaching mathematics.
Up to 250 scholarships will be available, worth £25 000 each. Candidates are expected to have a strong academic background (First, 2:1 or postgraduate degree, high levels of mathematical knowledge and a desire to share their passion and love for maths. Candidates with a 2:2 may also be eligible if they bring significant additional experience).
As well as the £25 000 award, Scholars will become part of a supportive community. This will include two years' free membership of the IMA, LMS, RSS and MEI, with associated benefits. They are looking for applicants with the potential to become inspirational teachers and the future leaders in education.
Nigel Steele, IMA Honorary Education Secretary said:
'Mathematics is now understood to be of vital importance to the economy of this country. The first priority must be to attract those who can become the most effective teachers of mathematics to join the profession. We need them to inspire future generations to engage with the subject and discover the wealth of opportunities it can create'.Alice Rogers, LMS Education Secretary said:
'The first year of the scheme has seen more than 90 Scholars who promise as they embark on their training year to become strong teachers, able to contribute a deep understanding of mathematics both to the schools where they teach and to nationwide developments in mathematics education. It is excellent that the scheme will continue'.Roeland Beerten, RSS Director of Professional and Public Affairs said:
'The Royal Statistical Society welcomes the extension of this Scholarship scheme. The country needs teachers who can encourage our children to learn mathematics and statistics in an engaging and relevant way - not just to prepare them for future employment or education but as a key life skill in itself, so they can thrive and succeed in an increasingly data-rich society'.Charlie Stripp, Chief Executive of MEI, said:
'We need more inspirational young
people with a passion for mathematics to join the teaching profession.
Good mathematics education is vital for our country’s future economic
success and teaching mathematics is a very important and rewarding job.
These Scholarships are extremely welcome'.
The IMA website has full details of the Scholarships, including information about how to apply. The closing date for the current application round is 9am on 16 June; the website also has details of future application rounds.
