Aspiring teachers with the passion and potential to teach are being encouraged to attend one of the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s Train to Teach events.
NCTL’s roadshow kicks off at the Newcastle Centre of Life on the 1st February and will then visit Manchester, London, Bristol and Birmingham throughout February and March.
It is the most comprehensive event of its kind, giving new graduates and those considering a career change, a chance to find out more about the rewards and opportunities a career in teaching offers.
Delegates can meet representatives from local schools and universities who offer teacher training, including those involved in the School Direct route. They can also meet current teachers who can answer questions about the profession, and learn about the different training options available to them.
The series of events will also showcase opportunities for career progression within teaching, as well as the rewards that teaching has to offer. These include substantial tax-free bursaries of up to £20,000, scholarships of up to £25,000 for candidates who train to teach certain subjects and a competitive starting salary.
Subject associations who are offering scholarships for people interested in teaching mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science will be on hand, as well as teachers and teaching experts who can offer practical tips and one-to-one advice about the profession.
Dr Fallyn Campbell, a chemistry trainee on the School Direct programme at Burlington Danes Academy in London, who holds a first class in Bsc Chemistry and a PhD in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, said: “I have always loved science and before going into teaching, I’d worked as a science researcher and project manager in an educational consultancy, contributing ideas of how to improve education across a number of subjects. This experience, coupled with a passion to share my knowledge of science with others to support them to gain a greater understanding of the subject, greatly contributed to my decision to become a teacher.
I am passionate about improving students’ scientific abilities as well as giving back to the community. I particularly enjoy boosting the confidence of those students who come from less affluent backgrounds but who have great potential, and opening their eyes to how science works in everyday life.
The career progression opportunities for teachers are second to none. I feel I am progressing quickly; the great deal of practical work we do allows me to learn and develop on the job and I feel a real sense of independence. I manage the science society at school – a sixth form club – and would like to progress to a leadership position one day soon.
“The Train to Teach roadshow in London is a fantastic way of gathering information and will ultimately help people considering teaching to make informed decisions. Anyone interested in teaching should go along and speak with some of the experts on hand to find out more about both the application process and also what day to day life in the classroom is like. Now is the right time to join the profession – the modern classroom is constantly changing, teachers are empowered to test out new techniques, and that’s more, the opportunities are there for career progression.”
Charlie Taylor, Chief Executive of the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “Teaching has changed – it is increasingly a career of choice for top graduates and offers people excellent opportunities for progression.
“There’s a new generation of talented teachers working in our classrooms today and we want to encourage even more outstanding candidates, who are seeking a rewarding and challenging career, to join the profession. That is why we are hosting a national “Train to Teach” roadshow.
“Anyone who intends to start their teacher training in 2014 should be making their application soon. As such, I would urge them to come along to one of these events so they can find out more and choose the best training option for them.”
The “Train to Teach” roadshow is visiting the following locations:
- Newcastle – 1 February at The Centre for Life
- Manchester – 8 February at the Museum of Science & Industry
- London – 1 March at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
- Bristol – 8 March at At-Bristol
- Birmingham – 15 March at The ICC
Entrance to the events is free. Registering in advance is advised by going to: https://traintoteach.education.gov.uk/sign-up however you can also register at the venue on the day.
Graduates interested in becoming a teacher should visit: www.education.gov.uk/getintoteaching or contact the Teaching Line on: 0800 389 2500.
