TeachInScotland.pdf

7/31/2019 TeachInScotland.pdf

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CONTENTS

01 Why teach?

05 How do I become a primary school teacher?

07 How do I become a secondary school teacher?

15 Is financial help available?

16 What happens after I graduate?

19 How can I develop my career?

21 How can I find out more?

24 Other useful addresses and websites


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www.infoscotland.com/teaching


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Why teach?

Job satisfaction.From your very first day, youll put your knowledgeand passion to work and make a real differenceto the young people in your class.

Competitive salary and benefits.Youll start on 21,438 (from April 2010) as aprobationer. And although you might not bethinking about it right now, theres also a greatpension.

Holidays.

Take the time to travel, indulge your passions,recharge your batteries or simply fit your jobaround your family commitments.

A guaranteed job for your probation year.As a new teacher who trained in Scotland,youre guaranteed full-time employment foryour first year. Youll pick up valuable classroomexperience under the guidance of yourexperienced mentor, in an Induction schemethats unique to Scotland.

Career progression.Whether you want to stay in the classroomor move into management, this is a job wheregood people get the recognition and rewards

they deserve. And Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD) means youll be able topick up new skills.


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What makes a great teacher?

It might sound obvious, but its really important thatyou enjoy working with children and young people.Youll also need to have a real passion for yoursubject backed up with in-depth knowledge.It is also important to find ways of making your

lessons relevant, creative, interesting and accessible.And a good sense of humour will always help.

Young people need adults they can relate toand trust so youll need to be a good role model,always fair and well balanced. Discipline is alsoimportant to make sure your pupils get the mostfrom each lesson. Students must see that yourein control and thoroughly prepared.

How many pupils will be in my class?

We want you and your pupils to get the most out ofeach other. Thats why there are nationally agreedmaximum class sizes for both primary and secondaryschools. The numbers ensure that whatever classsize youre working in, youll be able to enjoy a rich

and varied teaching experience.

Within the nationally agreed maxima, class sizesvary for a variety of reasons. However, averageprimary class sizes are at an all time low of 23.2.Class size data are not collected in relation tosecondary schools so a comparable average classsize cannot be calculated.

And the good news is that the Scottish Governmentis working towards reducing single stage andcomposite classes in Primary 1 through Primary 3 to

just 18. This means there will be a lot more placesavailable on primary teacher training courses as wellas more jobs available across Scotland.

What does a career in teaching involve?

So here I am in my second yearof secondary teaching and

enjoying (nearly) every minuteof it. Moving from engineeringwould appear to be a big change,but many of the skills I used asan engineer are similar to theones I require as a teacher.Communication, organisationand time management are allskills I believe are essential inbecoming an effective teacher,but most importantly you have tobe able to relate to young people.

It can be quite funny at school.Theres always something

different happening and younever know whats going tocome up the day flies byand you always wonder wherethe time has gone. When youget cards, presents andpersonal thanks from the kids,thats when you realise thatyoure really touching the livesof young people. Its nice toactually see that you are playinga part in shaping an individual.

I have to say, teaching isthe most rewarding job ever.

When you look back overyour day, you think of allthe good things that havehappened. You can seethe pupils come on in leapsand bounds, and that reallymakes you believe youredoing a worthy job andhaving a positive impacton young people.


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How much will I get paid?Teachers should be rewarded for the importantwork they do, so theres a generous salary on offerin Scotland. From April 2010:

Classroom Teachers at the top of the scalewill earn 34,200

Chartered Teachers can earn up to 41,925

Head Teachers can expect to earn from 42,288to 82,542

Scotland has a salary scalefor Classroom Teachers:

All teachers are placed on Point 0 for their first yearin teaching. After this probationary year, mostteachers move one point up the salary scale forevery year theyve been teaching.

Will I get paid more if I have experienceoutside teaching?If youve got relevant career experience, it is possibleto jump up to four points on the salary scale aftersuccessful completion of your probationary year.(This is dependent on the relevance of yourexperience to the post to which you are appointed.You will need to discuss this with your employer whowill then decide at which salary point you should beplaced on the Main Grade salary scale).

Is there extra money if I teachin a remote part of Scotland?Yes. If you teach on certain islands or in a remoteschool, you might get an allowance on top of yoursalary:

Distant Island Allowance: 1,782

Remote Schools Allowance: 2,100 or 2,124

What hours will I work?

Youll have a 35 hour week, and the most timeyoull spend teaching is 22.5 hours. This meansyoull have enough time in the working dayfor classroom preparation, marking and ContinualProfessional Development.

What about holidays?Every year youll get 13 weeks holiday at full pay.That means your total working year is 195 daysover 39 weeks, with five days for in-service training.

What about the pension?You might not be thinking about your pension rightnow, but the Scottish Teachers SuperannuationScheme is very generous. Its a final salary pension,where you pay 6.4% of your salary (theres tax relieftoo). There are also extra benefits for youand your dependents.

SCALE FROMPOINT APRIL 2010

0 21, 4 38

1 25,7 16

2 27,243

3 28 ,7944 30, 465

5 32, 3 94

6 34 ,200


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There are currently two routes that can qualify you as a primary school teacher:

the four-year undergraduate degree course.

the one-year Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) course.

The following table shows which courses are available:


UNIVERSITY BEd PRIMARY POSTGRADUATE

(PGDE) PRIMARY

PGDE PART-TIME &

DISTANCE LEARNING

BA (Hons) IN

PROFESSIONAL

EDUCATION (PRIMARY)

ABERDEEN

DUNDEE

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

WEST OF SCOTLAND

STRATHCLYDE

STIRLING


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What are the entry requirements for an

undergraduate degree in Primaryteaching?

You must have at least:

Three Highers (or equivalent).One of these must be English at Grade C or above

Two Standard Grades (or equivalent).One of these must be Maths at Credit level orIntermediate 2

What are the entry requirements for thePGDE (Primary) course?

You must have at least:

A degree from a UK university(or an equivalent degree from outside the UK)

Higher English at Grade C or above (or equivalent)

Standard Grade Maths at Credit level(or equivalent)

The universities will also want to see evidence that

you have studied at least two of the followingsubjects: Science, Social Studies, Expressive Arts,Religious and Moral Education, Technology andModern Languages.

Its even better if you can show that you have someexperience of working with children in a primaryschool or in a similar setting such as a youth groupor sports club. Youll also need a good understandingof the Primary Education system.

What are the entry requirements for the

PGDE (Primary) part-time distancelearning course at the University of

Aberdeen?

This two-year, part-time programme is based on thefull-time PGDE campus-based course, so the entryrequirements are exactly the same.

The programme is delivered in partnership with otherlocal authorities and you have to be resident withinone of those local authority areas to qualify for entry

to the course.To find out more, contact Student Recruitment andAdmissions Services at Aberdeen University on01224 272035 or e-mail [email protected].

Entry requirements part-time/distance

learning what are the entryrequirements for the PGDE (Primary)

part-time course at the University ofStrathclyde?

Because this part-time programme is based upon thefull-time campus-based course, the entryrequirements are just the same. The course is21 months long and open to all. If you work for aneducation department in most councils in Scotland,there is an agreement between the University and

Council which will guarantee that you receive coverfor your existing employment so you can carry outyour school experience placements. When you arenot on school placements, you can continue to workon your regular job.

For most student teachers, academic modules aretaught on the Jordanhill Campus in the evenings andin Spring and Summer, during the school holidays.

If youre an employee of Dumfries & GallowayCouncil this course is delivered as an outreach

module.Its advisable to check with the University before youmake an application, to ensure the course is running.

To find out more, contact Strathclyde University on0141 950 3173, email: [email protected] by checking the website at:www.strath.ac.uk/pgdeprimary/parttimepathway/.

How much will I earn?

Youll earn exactly the same as a secondary school

teacher at the same point on the salary scale.The salary scale is on page 4.

How do I apply?

Youll find full details on page 12.

What about becoming a CharteredTeacher or moving into leadership?

There are plenty of opportunities to develop

your career. To find out more, turn to page 20.



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There are three ways you can becomea secondary teacher:

If you have a degree in the subject you wantto teach you can do a one-year PGDE teachingcourse. This is the quickest and most popular wayof qualifying as a secondary teacher in Scotland.

You can study some PGDE (Secondary) coursesby part-time or distance learning.

If you dont have a degree in the subject you wantto teach, you can do a four-year undergraduateBEd course or a combined degree course ata Scottish university. See the table on page 14for more details.

The following section explains how you can becomea teacher through the PGDE (Secondary) course.

What if I already have a degree

in the subject I want to teach?

The quickest and easiest way to become a teacheris to do the one-year Professional Graduate Diploma

of Education (PGDE) course at a Scottish university.The PGDE course lasts for one academic year.At the end, youll be qualified to teach in a Scottishsecondary school.

What secondary subjects can I teach?

PGDE courses are available in the following subjects(remember, these subjects arent available atall universities):

You can also get teaching qualifications in more thanone subject. In fact, some specialist subjects are onlyavailable if you study them with something else.

Check that the subject combinations youre

interested in are available at the universityyouve chosen. Contact details are on page 10.



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Can I teach my subject in Gaelic?

Yes its possible to teach your subject in Gaelicin some schools. You can also learn to teachGaelic at the University of Aberdeen and theUniversity of Strathclyde.

Where can I study?

This table shows which universities in Scotlandoffer full-time PGDE (Secondary) courses:

PGDE Courses Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow West ofScotland

Strathclyde



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Can I study for a PGDE course by

part-time or distance learning?Yes at the University of Aberdeen, the University ofDundee, the University of Strathclyde, and the OpenUniversity.

What are my options at the University of

Aberdeen?

You can study a two-year part-time PGDEprogramme, both Primary and Secondary it has thesame entry qualifications as the full-time course.

(These are set out in the Memorandum on EntryRequirements to Courses of Initial TeacherEducation in Scotland.)

The programme is delivered in partnership with anumber of Local Authorities* throughout Scotlandand you must be resident in one of these to qualifyfor the Course. Your School Placement will takeplace within your own Local Authority.

The subjects that they are offering were notconfirmed at the time of going to press, therefore to

find out more contact Aberdeen University on 01224274776 or email [email protected]

* The list of partnership Local Authorities is being added to all thetime and can be obtained on application.

What are my options at the University ofDundee?

The University of Dundee offers a flexible PGDEcourse. This means you can get qualified by full-timedistance learning in 36 weeks, or part-time over72 weeks.

The subjects that they are offering were notconfirmed at the time of going to press, therefore tofind out more contact Dundee University on 01382464000 or by email at [email protected]

What are my options at the University of

Strathclyde?

Strathclyde are offering part-time PGDE courses onall the subjects listed on page 8 and entryrequirements are exactly the same as the full time

courses. Its easy to find out more, just callStrathclyde University on 0141 950 3224 or drop ane-mail to [email protected]

Susan Richardson, now a teacher at Thurso High

School, graduated from the University of DundeesPGDE course in 2005. Without the distance learningoption, Susan would not have been able to realiseher dream of becoming a teacher. Susan says:

What are my options at the Open University?

You can become a secondary Mathematics teacherby studying the PGDE Mathematics at the OpenUniversity in Scotland. The Open University offers amodular PGDE programme that allows part-time orfull-time patterns of study taking up to two years

which will suit those whose circumstances preventthem from taking the traditional full-time course.Distance learning study of the theory of teaching andlearning is integrated with its practical applicationduring sustained periods of teaching in two partnerschools. Working in partnership with schools, it aimsto prepare teachers who seek to develop thepotential of all pupils, work to overcome barriers tolearning, think critically about the teaching andlearning process, seek evidence to inform theirjudgements and improve their own practice, andshare a commitment to professional values.

Applications for the PGDE Mathematics close at theend of February and interviews are held inEdinburgh in April.


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I trained in Edinburgh, completing a one yearcourse in Physics and Maths at Moray House.The course included lectures on a wide rangeof general teaching topics, including behaviourmanagement, the structure of the schoolcurriculum and teaching and learning styles.

We also had tutorials, where we sharedideas for teaching particular topics,practised experiments, learned how to markexams and much more. These tutorials wereinvaluable preparation for our three schoolplacements (each lasted around six weeks).

Though terrifying at the start and certainlychallenging, these placements provided a tasteof the excitement and fulfilment of teaching.

They gave me an excellent opportunity topractise new skills, safe in the knowledgethat the real class teacherwould be able to pick upthe pieces if it all wenthorribly wrong!

Placements can be quitediverse. You can teachat two or three completely

different schools wherethere are a variety ofresources, discipline and teaching styles.Its great training to work in quite differentenvironments.

What does the PGDE course involve?

The one-year PGDE course varies a little fromuniversity to university. However, youll study for36 weeks with an equal balance between learningat university and in schools. Its great preparationfor your first teaching job.

School placements give you the chance to workwith teachers and pupils in the classroom.Placements also develop your teaching skillsand allow you to use the concepts and skillsyouve learned. Of course, youll also get feedbackon your progress.

More than that, youll learn to consider the distincteducation needs of individual pupils, and developyour own theories about teaching.

What qualifications do I need?

The PGDE entry requirements are based on credit pointswhich are standard across all Scottish Universities.Its just the entry requirements thatll change fromcourse to course.

At the very least youll need a degree from a UKuniversity or an equivalent degree from outside theUK. The degree should normally contain 80 creditpoints relevant to the teaching qualification you arestudying for (40 credit points must be at secondyear undergraduate level or above). Youll alsoneed Higher English or an equivalent qualification.

However, some subjects have very specific demands,so its best to check with the university where youwant to study.

What are credit points?

A credit point is a measure of the amount of learningyou have done. Credit points are awarded by theScottish Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and eachcredit point represents around 10 hours of learning.

To find out more about the credit point breakdown ofyour degree, look at your degree transcript or contactyour university.

Do any subjects have special entry

requirements?

Yes some subjects have entry requirementsbeyond the ones weve outlined:

For more information about whats required to studyfor a PGDE (Secondary) course in these subjectsvisit: www.infoscotland.com/teaching


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How do I apply to do a PGDE course?You apply through the Graduate Teacher TrainingRegistry (GTTR). Visit www.gttr.ac.uk or call0871 468 0469.

However, you need to apply directly to the universityif you would like to do any teaching course at theUniversity of West of Scotland or the part-time anddistance learning courses at the Universities ofAberdeen and Dundee. Contact details are onpage 10.

Universities will be particularly interested to hearfrom you if your subjects include English, Physics,Modern Languages, Technological Education,Home Economics or Physical Education.

In these priority subjects, applications will beaccepted right up to the start of the course.To find out more, simply get in touch with theuniversities where youd like to study. Trainingproviders may fill their places for some courses earlyin the application cycle. You should apply as early aspossible to give yourself the best chance of obtaininga place.

The GTTR process all applications that are receivedfor secondary courses from September to June. Theclosing date for PGDE primary courses is 1 Decemberin the year preceding the start of the course. TheGTTR must receive your application by this date toguarantee that your first choice training provider willconsider you. After 1 December training providerscan choose to stop receiving applications for primaryteaching courses.

Will I be interviewed before beingaccepted on a PGDE course?

Yes. The selectors generally look for threekey qualities:

your knowledge of the curriculum for your subject

your knowledge of the teaching profession

your suitability for a career as a teacher.

Its also likely that youll be asked to do a written andpractical test on your subject. There will also be aninterview with a teacher and an activity where youllwork as part of a group.

Do I need classroom experience

to get on the course?

Its useful, but not essential. Universities tend toprefer PGDE students who have experience ofworking in schools or with young people. This helpsyour application stand out, showing a genuinecommitment to the profession.

Where can I get advice?

Why not start by approaching your old school orperhaps your childrens school? Its likely that you willhave to go through a Police Disclosure check speak to the Head Teacher about this.

Your experience could be from working with childrenin youth groups or playgroups. It could be fromvolunteering with Cubs, Scouts, Guides or Brownies,or from befriending or mentoring. You may even havevolunteered to teach literacy classes to adults or run

a painting course its all teaching experience.You might also want to think about voluntary workwith young people. You can find a volunteer centrenear you at: www.volunteerscotland.org.uk .


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Whats it like being a mature student?

When I graduated from university, I had a goodidea that I wanted to go into teaching. First though,

there were other things I wanted to do beforeembarking on a career or getting a realjob!

Looking back on it, Im glad I got some experienceof the real world before starting my training.When I began my teaching course, I quicklyrealised I wasnt the only person whod done this.My classmates had a wealth of different backgroundsand experience. In fact, very few had comestraight from their undergraduate studies andthere were a number of mature students among us(and some veritable vintage students, too!).

I used the time after finishing my degree to livein France. A career in Education can't have beenvery far from my mind because I ended up teachingEnglish at a high school in the suburbs of Paris.Travelling and living abroad are two of the manyopportunities which can open up for you whenyoure a modern linguist, and that is certainlyone thing I hope to share with pupils in my class.

I think that genuine enthusiasm for your subject

area is vital in a teacher. But to be a good teacher,you also need three other things: confidence,a sense of humour and a red pen. The trainingyear is challenging and enjoyable. At the beginningit can seem a bit off-putting having other teachersor tutors scrutinise your every move in the classroom.Experienced teachers make it look so easy, but theysoon let you in on the trade secrets. The supportof colleagues at training college and in placementschools makes life as a trainee much easier.

You'll soon be itching to finish the course

tout de suiteand be let loose on your own pupils,red pen at the ready!

What if I dont have a degree but stillwant to teach?

Depending on the subject you want to teach, youcan study towards:

a four-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degreecourse in Physical Education, Music orTechnological Education

OR

A combined degree (sometimes known as a

concurrent degree), which usually lasts aroundfour years. The degree includes your mainsubject, study of education and some schoolexperience.

See page 14 for more information.


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Where can I study undergraduate courses in secondary teaching?

The following table shows the universities in Scotland that offersecondary education courses (remember to check with the universityto make sure the course youre interested in has places available):

Which universities offer combined (concurrent) degree courses?

Interested students should e-mail for an update as new combinations are being added all thetime [email protected]. More detail on the requirements/arrangements for these courses canbe obtained at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/prospectus/ugrad.


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What qualifications do I need for an

undergraduate degree in teaching?The entry requirements for BEd (Secondary)or combined degree courses vary by courseand by university. To find out more simply getin touch with the university you want to apply to.

How do I apply for an undergraduateteaching course?

Apply to the Universities and Colleges AdmissionService (UCAS) at www.ucas.ac.uk or call

0871 468 0468. The closing date for UCASapplications is usually January in the yearyour course starts.

Yes, the amount of support you can get depends onwhether you study full time or part time and yourpersonal financial circumstances.

Studying full time

Both young and mature students studying full timecan apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland(SAAS) for a loan and supplementary grants.Supplementary grants include, for example, travelexpenses, lone parent grants, lone parents childcaregrant and disabled students allowance. Youngstudents can also apply for a bursary. The exactamount you can get depends on your householdincome. You can apply for this support online atwww.saas.gov.uk. You can get more informationon the SAAS website or you can phone them on0845 111 1711 or send them an email to:www.saas.gov.uk/contact.htm.

Studying part time

Both young and mature students studying part timeor distance learning, can apply to ILA Scotland for500 towards their tuition fees. Application formsare available from the ILA Scotland helpline on

0808 100 1090. You must apply for this support onemonth before the start of your course. You can getmore information at www.ilascotland.org.uk .

Will I get funding if Ive studied another

postgraduate course before?If you are studying full time, SAAS will not normallypay your full fees if you have taken a postgraduatecourse (including teacher training) with or withoutsupport from the UK public funds or if your firstdegree, funded by UK public funds, has qualified youfor a profession (for example, vet, doctor, dentist,nurse, midwife, minister or priest of religion).

This might also affect your entitlement to the YoungStudents Bursar, Additional Loan or Young Students

Outside Scotland Bursary.No matter what your previous postgraduate orundergraduate study, you will be entitled to furtherpostgraduate funding if you study full time and wantto teach one of these subjects:

ENGLISH

GAELIC(ORANYSU

BJECTTAUG

HT

INGAELIC)

PHYSICS

HOMEECON

OMICS

MATHS

MODERNLAN

GUAGES(FR

ENCH,

GERMAN,ITA

LIAN,SPANI

SH,

CHINESE)

PHYSICALEDUCA

TION

PRIMARYEDU

CATION

TECHNOLOG

ICALEDUCA

TION


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If you are studying part time, regardless of yourprevious study, you can apply to ILA Scotland for the500 towards your fees. However, you can still applyfor the student loan and supplementary grants. Tofind out more contact SAAS. Go to page 22 forcontact details.

Is there any other financial help

available?

If you have no other form of financial support, youmay be able to apply for a Professional Career

Development Loan. This is a bank loan that can beused to cover up to 80% of your course fees plusrelated expenses. For more information call 0800 585505 or visit www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl.

Discretionary funds

Universities have funds which they use to helpstudents in financial difficulties. To find out more, getin touch with the Student Support or Student ServicesOfficer at the university you would like to go to.

You should make sure you apply as early as you canas the funds are limited and run out quickly.

Youre guaranteed a teaching post with a Scottishlocal authority for a full school year. This is known asthe Induction year.

However, for this guaranteed post, you will have to bea newly qualified teacher who has graduated from aScottish university and has been assessed as a

home student for fees.

To teach in a school in Scotland you need to beregistered with the General Teaching Council forScotland (GTCS). After you successfully completeyour course, youll be provisionally registered with theGTCS until you meet the Standard for Full Registration.Your Induction year is designed to give you fullregistration.


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Angela Reid, 25, a Maths teacher

at St Mungos High Schoolin Falkirk, says that the securityof a permanent job is what firstattracted her to a career in teaching.

Angela was so sure that teachingwas for her, that she undertooka four-year degree at StirlingUniversity that combined Mathsand Education, which gave hera teaching qualification.



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What will I get from the Induction year?

Theres a lot on offer, including:

A salary of 21,438 from April 2010.

A maximum class commitment of 0.7 of a fullyregistered teachers time, with time set aside forprofessional development

An experienced teacher as a mentor

The chance to reach the GTCS Standard for FullRegistration in one school year

Can I choose where I do myInduction year?

The scheme allows you to choose five Scottish localauthorities that youd be willing to work for in yourInduction year. At the same time, local authoritieswork out the number of posts they have forprobationer teachers.

The selection process then chooses students atrandom and allocates them to teaching posts,starting with your first preference local authority.

Unfortunately, your personal circumstances wont betaken into account during the process.

What about the incentive to go anywhere

in Scotland?

You can decide to waive your preferences and workanywhere in Scotland during your Induction year.

By doing this, youll get a financial incentive over andabove your salary, i.e. 6,000 if you are a Primaryteacher or 8,000 for Secondary teaching. This is

paid in three instalments (in August, January andApril), and its subject to income tax and nationalinsurance. To find out more about the Inductionscheme, visit www.infoscotland.com/teaching

What happens if I dont want to join the

Induction scheme?

If you choose not to join the scheme (or if youre noteligible) you can still complete the probationaryperiod, but it will take longer than a year. To do thisyoud have to apply for teaching posts advertised by

local authorities and you could only be employed asa temporary teacher until youre fully registered.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)

can give you advice about completing yourprobationary period outside the Induction scheme.Their contact details are on page 23.

You cant join the scheme if you qualified before2002 but havent yet met the Standard for FullRegistration or if youre studying towards anadditional teaching qualification.

Will I get a job after my Induction year?

As in any walk of life there can be no guarantees.However, student teacher intakes have been cut by

almost 50% between 2008 and 2010 to ensure thatwe correct the imbalance between teacher supplyand demand.

The more flexible you are about where you want towork will have a bearing on how easily you find a job.Unsurprisingly, jobs in the central belt are in greatdemand whereas jobs in the more remote parts ofScotland are not.

How do I apply for a job?

Teachers are employed by the 32 local authoritiesaround Scotland. They advertise in the Scottishnational press, and online.

The selection and interview process varies so to findout more you should contact the individual authoritiesor schools directly. Theres a list of web addresseson page 25.

Do I need to join a professional body

to teach in Scotland?

Yes all teachers in schools in Scotland have to be

registered with the General Teaching Council forScotland (GTCS). The GTCS is the governing bodyfor the teaching profession in Scotland.

From April 2010 theres an initial fee of 60 for yourfirst registration and 45 thereafter for each annualre-registration. Once you have successfullycompleted your teacher education course, the GTCSwill check if you have a criminal record.

As a newly-qualified teacher, youll be provisionallyregistered during your first year of employment untilyou meet the Standard for Full Registration.

After your Induction year, youll be eligible for fullregistration as a teacher in Scotland. Moreinformation is available directly from the GTCS theircontact details are on page 23.


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A culture of Continuing Professional Development(CPD) is in place to enable teachers to realise theirfull potential, maintain and develop their skills.

What is Continuing Professional

Development?

(CPD) helps teachers make the most of their

careers.Teach in Scotland and you are entitled to undertake35 hours of CPD each year. Youll agree an annualplan with your immediate manager and keep a recordof your CPD activities.

CPD can be any training or experience which willprogress, assist or enhance your professionalism.

Some examples are:

activity related to achieving National Standards Standard for Full Registration, Standard forChartered Teacher, Standard for Headship

self-evaluation and personal reflection,professional reading and research

subject-based activities including involvement withprofessional bodies and associations

attendance at in-service courses and meetings

membership of school committees and taskgroups

developing school, local authority and nationalpolicies

planning the curriculum, observing lessons,analysis, visits to and from colleagues in otherschools and secondments

mentoring/coaching colleagues and students onplacement

management and leadership developmentopportunities.

When planning your CPD activities, youll work withyour manager to work out areas you need to develop,as well as considering the schools developmentplans, local and national priorities.


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Can I become a Chartered Teacher?

In Scotland, you can choose to take part in the

Chartered Teacher programme. Its ideal if you wantto develop your teaching skills and work primarily inthe classroom.

The Chartered Teacher programme is made up of 12modules. The modules include:

self evaluation

learning and teaching

education for all

working together.

The modules are provided through universities butthere are no exams, just continual assessment. Youcan stop the programme for a break whenever youlike, and start again when youre ready.

When you complete the Chartered Teacherprogramme youll be awarded a Masters Degree, andthe General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) willgive you the professional award of CharteredTeacher.

Who can become a Chartered Teacher?To join the Chartered Teacher programme you mustbe at the top of the classroom teacher salary scaleand fully registered with the GTCS. Youll also needan up-to-date CPD portfolio.

Once youre on the programme, your salary willincrease every time you complete two modules.Chartered teachers can earn up to a maximum of40,941 (April 2009). Candidates are expected tocover their university module fees.

How do I get into leadership?

There are two recognised development routes for

those interested in becoming a headteacher. Theseare the Scottish Qualifications for headship programme(SQH) and the Scottish Governments Nationalflexible routes to Headship programme. Both routeswill provide you with opportunities for professionaldevelopment and allow you to demonstrate that youmeet the standard for headship and are, therefore,suitably qualified for the post of Headteacher.

Both programmes take about two years to completeand selection to them is through local authorityemployers who meet the cost of these programmes.

How can I become an Additional Support

Needs Teacher?

Many children have learning difficulties at somestage in their lives, but for the majority these aresolved with a little extra help from the classroomteacher.

Some children have more persistent learningdifficulties and these require help from an AdditionalSupport Needs Teacher.

Some teachers will move into this field building ontheir own professional development and expertisewhile others will actively gain further qualifications toenhance their expertise. Teachers may make use ofthe General Teaching Council for ScotlandsFramework for Professional Recognition or completestudy to gain postgraduate qualifications in specificareas. The Framework can be used by teachers whohave completed two years of service after gainingFull Registration with the GTCS while relevantpostgraduate qualifications are normally only open to

qualified teachers, ideally with at least two yearsexperience teaching in a mainstream school.


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Crowncopyright2010APSGroupScotlandDPPAS10339(09/10)

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ISBNNumber:978-0-7559-9471-7

TeachInScotland.pdf

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