- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
1 Aug 2007 17:25:24
Men are being encouraged to pursue a career in primary teaching at a special taster course being offered by the University of Bedfordshire.
The three-day course, funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), has been set up in a bid to attract more men into the teaching profession. Research released this week by YouGov reveals only 16 per cent of all primary school teachers in England are male.
The survey also found one in 12 pupils will go through primary school without being taught by a man. Furthermore, it revealed that a large majority of boys would like to have both male and female teachers in their schools, as male teachers are seen as positive role model.
Paul Davies, Head of the School of Education at the University, said: “We are particularly looking for men and those from under-represented groups to sign up for the course, as teachers act as important role models for young children. The TDA would like to see a more balanced workforce in primary schools, providing both male and female authority figures, as well as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds or people with disabilities.
“Primary teaching offers good career prospects, with salary packages to match, particularly for those accepting positions of additional responsibility or aspiring to leadership roles.
“The taster sessions are an ideal way to gain some experience of what it is like to be a teacher, what is involved in the planning of classes, through to what it actually feels like to teach children in a classroom.”
The course starts on 11 September with an introduction to primary education. The roles and duties of teachers will be discussed and participants will have the chance to prepare for the following day’s school visit, where they will work shadow a teacher and experience a typical day, finding out what it is like to work with primary aged children.
The final day provides participants with an opportunity to review what they have undertaken and receive advice on routes into the profession and making an application for training.
All applicants who wish to apply for a place on the taster course must first register with the Teacher Training Agency by telephoning 0845 6000991 or via their website at www.tda.gov.uk
For further information about the taster day or or teacher training courses offered by the University of Bedfordshire visit the School of Education or contact 01234 793279, email admission@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2007» August» Beds encourages men to become primary school teachers
