Fraction of a Teacher

In this episode, Jen and Francis tackle that classic classroom question: “When will I ever use this in real life?” From calculating costs during a house move to navigating personal finance, they unpack the ways maths shows up in everyday decisions—and how we can help students see that too. They dive into practical strategies for making maths lessons more relevant, reflect on how their past careers...

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher , Jen and Francis dive into the everyday chaos of teaching on the move. From lugging planners and mini-whiteboards across campus to arriving late to a room that’s not quite yours, we unpack the very real challenge of not having a permanent teaching space during your PGCE. We share our most relied-on classroom essentials, the small routines that keep us sane...

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher , we dive into our ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) week – what it is, what we learned, and how it’s shaping us as trainee teachers. We also explore the art of questioning in the classroom, discussing our favourite types of questions, why they work, and how they help students engage with learning in a meaningful way. Plus, a quick update! 📢 To keep t...

This week, we're diving into teaching styles, classroom confidence, and finding the balance between authority and approachability.   As trainee teachers, we all discover what kind of educators we want to be. But how do we establish our presence in the classroom? How do we build relationships with students while keeping high expectations? And does your personality shape your teaching style—or does...

In this episode of  Fraction of a Teacher , Francis and Jen dive into the  GCSE maths topics they love teaching  (and the ones they're still working on loving!). They explore what made certain topics fun as students, how their preferences have shifted as teachers, and the creative ways they bring maths to life in the classroom. Plus, there’s  big news —Jen has some news for everyone! 🎉 Expect rea...

This week on  Fraction of a Teacher , we’re diving into  work-life balance  and how to make teaching a sustainable career.  Special guest and fellow trainee teacher, Sophia, joins us  to share her experience and insights, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. She is our social media wizard who does so much behind the scenes, and we are thrilled to have her on. In this episode, we talk...

In this episode of  Fraction of a Teacher , we dive into the art and science of  lesson planning , discussing how we structure our lessons, adapt to different schools, and refine our questioning techniques. We also explore the  role of literacy in mathematics , reflecting on how reading, vocabulary, and comprehension impact students’ success in maths. Join us as we share our personal approaches, p...

In this episode of  Fraction of a Teacher , Jen and Francis dive into the complexities of job hunting as trainee teachers. With placement B underway and jobs starting to open up, they discuss what they’re looking for in their first teaching roles, from school ethos to work-life balance. They share tips on applying for positions, preparing for interviews, and managing nerves when teaching a lesson...

In this debut episode of  Fraction of a Teacher , we dive into the chaotic yet rewarding world of trainee teaching. We reflect on the overwhelming reality of never achieving perfection as a teacher, how collaboration and camaraderie are key to success, and why reflection is a game-changer in both teaching and life. Jen and Francis share stories about what led them into teaching, their experiences...

What’s it really like to become a teacher?  Spoiler: It’s messy, stressful, rewarding, and full of surprises! Welcome to  Fraction of a Teacher , where two trainee maths teachers, Francis and Jen, share their journey through the ups and downs of learning to teach. From first-day jitters and lesson plans gone wrong to discovering how to create belonging in the classroom, we reflect on everything we...