Region wide teacher subject specialism training courses
Schools across the north east are offering a variety of teacher subject specialism training courses (TSST), funded by the DfE, to support non-specialist teachers, and former teachers who are returning to the teaching profession. One partnership led by The Academy at Shotton Hall is offering courses to improve the mathematics and physics subject knowledge of non-specialist teachers and the languages knowledge of both current languages teachers and those wishing to improve their language skills.
Janice Gorlach, Deputy CEO of the North East Learning Trust is encouraging schools to take up the DfE offer. She says: “TSST courses are a great opportunity for non-specialist maths and physics staff staff to access high quality resources and face-to-face training to improve their subject knowledge. The modern foreign languages courses will give both specialist and non-specailist staff access to Rosetta Stone online learning materials which are renowned for their quality and, through the DfE subsidy, are a very cost effective way to access this level of resource.”
Iain Knox from St Marys and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School who undertook TSST training last year added: “TSST has really boosted my confidence in maths. It gave me the opportunity to not only improve my mathematical understanding but discuss and develop my teaching of the subject. Through a good mix of discussion with colleagues, face to face teaching sessions and online learning the course had the right mix of learning opportunities. Online learning meant it could be fitted around my teaching commitments and gave me the opportunity to learn at my own pace.”