Education Vice-Chair Highlights Teaching Course Opportunities

An information evening will be held on Tuesday 8 September from 6.00pm-7.00pm at Inverurie Academy to provide information about a part-time postgraduate teaching course open to residents of Aberdeenshire and council staff.

The 18-month-course for people to train as primary school teachers starts in January 2016 and is a partnership between Aberdeenshire Council and the University of Aberdeen called DLITE: Distance Learning Initial Teacher Education.

Following completion of the part-time postgraduate teaching qualification (PGDE) in June 2017 aspiring teachers will then begin as a probationer in an Aberdeenshire primary school at the start of term in August 2017.

Vice-chair of the Education, Leisure & Learning Committee Councillor Charles Buchan said:

“We have so many talented staff and residents that can bring guidance, support and inspiration to young people.

“If you have ever thought about teaching as a career but aren’t quite sure and want to learn more then the event in September is sure to provide you with lots to think about.”

The DLITE programme has already seen 15 employees embark on their induction year in Aberdeenshire primary schools.

One such employee is Elaine Duffy, who was a project and policy coordinator within the Education and Children’s Service before joining the course and is now on her probation year. She said:

“I couldn’t have taken the risk of leaving my job to do teaching training and continue to pay the bills for my family so the course was ideal as it allowed me to study whilst working.”

In addition, a second cohort of 13 Aberdeenshire employees and residents are now part way through their studies on the programme and will finish next summer.

The part-time, distance learning, programme includes hands-on learning as well as e-learning such as engaging in online discussions on key curriculum and professional studies topics.

Course participants can expect 18 weeks of placement experience in a primary school; workshops (eight Saturday ‘network’ days); self-study; collaborative group work as well as professional practice on placement.

In order to qualify to join the DLITE programme, you must either work for Aberdeenshire Council or live in Aberdeenshire. Candidates will be supported to study part-time and mostly online with the university alongside their normal working hours.

You must also already have a degree from a recognised university and meet the entry requirements for the University of Aberdeen (Higher English and Standard Grade Mathematics at credit grade or equivalent).

Candidates will also need experience working with children in a school, child care or voluntary setting.

For further information, or to register your interest in the programme, please contact Margaret Khan by emailing Margaret.khan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

For an insight into teaching in Aberdeenshire watch this short film: http://bit.ly/teachyfilm