Teaching Agency searches for top talent in Cambridge

The Train to Teach roadshow offers an opportunity to find out how to get into teaching.  Delegates can meet representatives from local schools and universities who offer teacher training, including those involved in the new School Direct route, which is based in some of the country’s best schools and there is an expectation of a job once qualified.  The subject associations who are offering scholarships of £20,000 for people interested in teaching mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science will also be on hand, as well as teachers and teaching experts who can offer practical tips and personalised advice about the profession.  

The roadshow will also showcase the great opportunities for career progression, as well as the exciting and rewarding benefits that teaching has to offer, including substantial tax-free bursaries of up to £20,000 for candidates who train to teach certain subjects.

Debra Mobin who teaches French and German at Longsands College in St Neots and who has a 2.1 degree in Classics and Modern Foreign Languages from the University of Oxford, said:

“I’m really passionate about languages and have used French and German in my previous career, working as a Speech and Briefing Manager and for the European Commission, which showed me just how important languages are. I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for languages to younger people and demonstrate how valuable languages can be for their future.  I found myself considering a career switch and applied as a teaching assistant, working with children with the Aspergers Syndrome. This placement got me into the school environment which I really enjoyed and I decided to apply to train to teach.  While teaching is very different from my previous career, I have been able to transfer some of the skills from my previous role, such as the ability to motivate people, organisational skills, time management skills and people skills.

“I am now in my first year as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) and have already taken on additional responsibilities. For example, I am currently involved in the academy's assertive mentoring programme, which seeks to challenge under-achievement. These are one-to-one sessions with students, where we meet regularly, set targets and review their progress. Getting the best out of young people and helping them to achieve their potential, is also what got me interested in teaching in the first place.

“The Train to Teach roadshow in Cambridge 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.”

Tracy Watterson, Professional Delivery Lead for the Teaching Agency in Cambridge said: “Teaching has changed – it is now a career of choice for our top graduates. It offers a rewarding career for people with talent and ambition.

Parents can also be confident that we have the best teachers coming into our classrooms – vital if we are to help every child achieve their full potential.  We are committed to ensuring that this trend continues, which is why we are hosting Train to Teach roadshows across the country.

“Anyone who intends to start their teacher training in 2013 needs to apply quickly.  I’d urge individuals interested in working in a challenging but equally rewarding environment to come along to the Cambridge Train to Teach roadshow, so they are equipped to make an informed decision about the best training option for them.”

Entrance to the event is free, however prior registration is advised to guarantee fast-track entry.   Register here:  https://traintoteach.education.gov.uk/sign-up

The Train to Teach roadshow is taking place at Cambridge Moller Centre, Storey's Way  Cambridge, CB3 0DE, on 2nd March, from 9.30 am – 5pm.

 

Notes

Figures are based on the number of registrations to the Teaching Agency from candidates with a 2:1 or above

• · The Teaching Agency is responsible for initial teacher training (ITT) in England. It provides a comprehensive programme of support to help graduates become a teacher, providing guidance all the way through the application process
• · The Department for Education Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Implementation Plan is at: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/i/itt%20implementation%20plan.pdf
• · Tax free bursaries and scholarships of up to £20,000 are also in place:http://www.education.gov.uk/get-intoteaching/funding/training-in-england/postgraduate-funding.aspx

• · Candidates applying for a teacher training course which starts after 1 July 2013, will need to take and pass numeracy and literacy skills tests as part of the application process.
• · People interested in becoming a teacher should visit www.education.gov.uk/getintoteaching or contact the Teaching Line 0800 389 2500

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Teaching Agency Media enquiries

Contact: Alex McClimens

Tel:         0161 600 1409

Email:     alexandra.walker-mcclimens@education.gsi.gov.uk

 

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