Making a switch to teaching
A scheme designed to recruit new teachers from council staff looking for a career change is set to expand.
More than 50 staff members applied to join the retraining scheme when it launched in 2017. Of them, a shortlist of 22 was drawn up by Dundee University which runs the courses .
Ten successful employees started their 18-month parttime study with Dundee University in January 2018. Eight will complete their PDGE in June and be offered a probationary post if successful in gaining the qualification. Two employees withdrew before undertaking placements.
The council supports the initiative by providing school placements to the candidates and allowing them to attend their three six-week placements whilst in their current role and at their current salary. All other study commitments are undertaken within their own time.
The university is now offering full- time teacher training to council staff with an 18- month PGDE programme for secondary teachers for STEM subjects ( mathematics, chemistry, physics, home economics and computer studies). The aim of this programme is to help reduce the shortage of teachers in STEM subjects. Students are financially supported and at the end of the programme are both fully qualified and fully registered teachers.
This is a full- time programme and council employees have to resign their posts to take up this opportunity.