Getting a 40+ study score in a subject vs being able to teach it effectively

[JR_StudyEd]

I know. They are two completely different things. Hear me out for a minute. For example, If a teacher didn't do all that well in maths in secondary school (or hated it) in terms of their exam results as well as not originally being so confident in it, can they still become an effective maths teacher in the future? How are they able to do this? This can apply to any subject, really.

[Aaron]

I'm living proof you don't need a 40+ to be an effective (well, at least I think I am) teacher.

It's hard to see it while you're in school but there's so much more that defines an 'effective' teacher than scoring 40+. Being encapsulated in the ATAR/study score/score this score that bubble will do that to anybody. For me, it took until university to get my act together. Now i've got a masters with nearly 3 years of teaching experience from 7-12, basically running my own learning area with zero support.

You can be the smartest cookie in the world and get 50s all around, but if you have the personality of a peanut and can't effectively communicate... good luck. Teaching is more than just smarts and I really think it's important to understand that.

[Sine]

I know. They are two completely different things. Hear me out for a minute. For example, If a teacher didn't do all that well in maths in secondary school (or hated it) in terms of their exam results as well as not originally being so confident in it, can they still become an effective maths teacher in the future? How are they able to do this? This can apply to any subject, really.

Ok, so considering all the traits you have mentioned I will still say; Yes they can become an effective maths teacher - but they need to get very good at maths first (also start to love it - some teachers don't and that is fine but always the best teachers have some personal interest in the subject and students can really see this).

I think 40+ is more if you want to tutor a subject rather than be a teacher - usually, parents won't be too pleased sending their kids to tutors who scored below 40 (or some arbitrary high study score) given the cost of tutoring these days.

EDIT: although I knew someone who "only" scored mid 30's and ended up being a very effective tutor (straight after highschool)

[Joseph41]

Absolutely, IMO. 40+ is a pretty arbitrary measure, in any case.