Partnership provides possibilities to produce new teachers in STEM subjects

Eight people from the Highlands will be inducted as student inductees this week (Wed 12 December) and could be teaching STEM subjects in Highland secondary schools by August 2020.
 
The Highland Council is working in partnership with the University of Dundee and the University of the Highlands and Islands to support local people looking for a career move into secondary teaching in the STEM subjects of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Home Economics.  This is being achieved through the ‘PGDE STEM Partnership Induction Model’.
 
This new route to becoming a secondary teacher enables student inductees to gain both their Professional Graduate Diploma in Education and complete their induction year within 18 months while studying and undertaking their school placements in local schools.  The programme has been accredited by the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) and is funded by the Scottish Government with participants receiving financial support over the 18 months of study.
 
Highland Council is delighted to have 8 student inductees starting this innovative PGDE Programme on 12 December 2018 with a 3 day induction event taking place at the University of Dundee. The Programme will run till June 2020.  The trainee teachers will be based in Highland schools while studying via online learning.
 
At the 3-day induction event Highland’s 8 student inductees will meet John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and peers from the other participating local authorities of Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and Scottish Borders.  
 
Vice Chair of The Highland Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee Cllr John Finlayson said: 
 
“Highland Council is delighted to be involved in this partnership and we look forward to supporting our local participants as they progress through the Programme with the aim of joining Highland schools as fully registered teachers from August 2020.
 
“The partnership induction model offers a real opportunity for aspiring teachers who want to use their STEM knowledge and skills to encourage and inspire young people in our school communities.”