Background

Since 2014, the NCETM and Maths Hubs have been working together to develop approaches to teaching for mastery. Following the success of the previous cohorts of the Mastery Specialist Programme, the NCETM and Maths Hubs are now seeking to recruit an eleventh cohort of expert teachers to develop and work as Mastery Specialists.

What's involved?

Departments will nominate a lead teacher to train as a Mastery Specialist and follow a two year development programme. During the first year, the lead teacher will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills of teaching for mastery. This will take the form of centrally led events by the NCETM. This first year will require 7.5 days’ worth of release time which will be fully funded through the Maths Hubs. Alongside this, Specialists will receive three half-days of bespoke support from their hub’s secondary team.

In the second year of the Programme the lead teacher will focus on developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of all members of their department. Alongside this they will explore, develop and implement department-wide approaches, structures and systems which support teaching for mastery. This will take the form of centrally led events by the NCETM. There will be ongoing opportunities for continual professional development and an expectation to obtain the NCETM PD Lead Accreditation, if not already achieved. This will require 7.5 days’ worth of release time which will be fully funded. Alongside this, Specialists will receive three half-days of bespoke support from their hub’s secondary team.

In subsequent years, the Mastery Specialist will join a Teaching for Mastery Work Group, in order to continue to develop aspects of teaching for mastery across the department. As a Secondary Mastery Specialist your department and the school's senior leadership develop a partnership with the Maths Hub as an advocate for a Mastery Approach. Where appropriate and convenient for their school, the Mastery Specialist will be supported to lead hub activity. At this point, as a Local Leader of Maths Education, the Maths Hub will fund the cost of release time for the Specialist’s work, subject to DfE funding. 

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What are the benefits?

• You will demonstrate understanding of the principles behind teaching for mastery and support your department in developing systems and practices that help students build deep, connected mathematical understanding
• Your department will embed collaborative working through which planning, teaching and assessment practices are developed.

Who can apply?

Secondary maths teachers in state-funded schools in England with QTS and at least two years’ teaching experience. Applicants should be committed to develop their own teaching and support improvement across their department. the school's senior leadership team are committed to supporting them and to developing teaching for mastery in their maths department. Full details of the criteria can be found on the information sheet.  

Training to become a Mastery Specialist is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools/colleges

In the training years, the Maths Hub will fund the cost of 7.5 days’ release time, per year.