Have you considered a career in teaching?

Posted on: 16 June 2026 by Richard Finch in Hints, tips and advice

Sarah Ismail is a Mathematics student at the University of Liverpool who also works as a Get into Teaching Brand Ambassador. She recently spoke with Ellie, a fellow maths student who is considering getting into teaching.

It was a great chance to learn more about their journey and gain valuable insights into what inspires people to consider a career in education. Read the interview to hear about her experiences and motivations that have encouraged her to pursue a teaching career.

What do you study/ year of course?

I study maths and I am in my final year.

What subject would you like to teach?

I would like to teach maths.

Are you currently thinking about teaching primary or secondary, and what draws you to that?

I would like to teach secondary as I find that secondary students are at an age where they can engage more actively in discussion and reasoning, which makes teaching more interactive and rewarding.

Overall, I feel I can have the greatest impact on students’ confidence and attainment in mathematics during this stage of their education.

What made you start considering a career in teaching?

I chose to go into teaching because of my passion for mathematics and my experiences working with students. Through tutoring and supporting learners, I realised that I not only enjoy the subject itself, but also the process of helping others understand it. In particular, seeing students develop confidence and overcome difficulties in maths has been very motivating for me.

Have you always thought about teaching?

I haven’t always thought about teaching, but over time I realised it’s something I’m genuinely interested in. I enjoy helping people understand things and supporting others when they are struggling. I’ve found that I’m patient and like explaining things in different ways until someone understands, which made me start considering teaching more seriously.

Has anyone influenced or inspired you to get into teaching? If so, who and why?

Yes, I have been influenced by teachers I’ve had myself. One teacher in particular inspired me because they were supportive, approachable and made learning feel enjoyable instead of stressful. They encouraged

me to be more confident and showed me how much of a positive impact a teacher can have on someone’s life. That inspired me to want to help and support students in the same way.

What teaching experience have you had so far?

So far, I have gained a wide range of teaching experience, which includes a combination of tutoring and volunteering in schools. I have tutored many students, observed teachers in secondary schools and assisted in revision sessions. These experiences have helped me develop an understanding of how to deliver the lessons and how to get students engaged. This has given me motivation in pursuing teaching as a career.

What experiences have been most valuable in helping you explore a career in teaching?

A memorable moment for me was receiving positive feedback from a student who said my explanations made maths easier to understand. Knowing that I was able to make a subject more accessible and less intimidating was very encouraging.

Have you faced any challenges whilst gaining teaching experiences, and how did you handle them?

One challenge was working with students who lacked confidence in mathematics and were hesitant to attempt questions. I addressed this by creating a supportive environment, offering positive reinforcement and starting with simpler problems to gradually build their confidence.

How has teaching contributed to your personal growth?

Teaching has contributed significantly to my personal growth, particularly in terms of communication, confidence and adaptability. Explaining mathematical concepts to students has required me to think more carefully about how I structure and present information, which has strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

What do you find the most rewarding about teaching?

What I find most rewarding about teaching is seeing students develop both understanding and confidence in mathematics. In particular, moments when a student grasps a concept they previously struggled with are highly satisfying, as they reflect genuine learning rather than memorisation.

What aspects of teaching do you enjoy the most?

“The aspect of teaching I have enjoyed most is interactively explaining mathematical concepts and engaging students in the learning process. I particularly enjoy breaking down complex ideas into simpler steps and using different approaches to help students understand, as it requires both subject knowledge and creativity.

What advice would you give students who are interested in teaching but are not sure if it’s right for them or aren’t sure how to start their journey?

I would suggest starting with small, low-pressure experiences to see if teaching genuinely suits you. For example, you could try tutoring, volunteering in a school, or supporting a revision session. These experiences give you a realistic sense of what teaching involves, particularly how you explain ideas and interact with learners.

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Get updates, advice and support tailored to you. For advice and support to decide if teaching in a primary or secondary school in England is right for you click here: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/