Experience makes for great teachers!

 If you’re considering retraining to be a teacher and are thinking that your age could be a barrier to getting a job out the other end, think again.   According to a recent article in the Guardian, applications from mature students wishing to retrain are up 35% for the 2009-2010 year.  And this looks set to continue with this demographic accounting for 70% of the enquiries to the Teachers Development Agency (TDA).

Overall it will amount to “a substantial change” for the profession as a whole, said Graham Holley, chief executive of the TDA. ”It’s already making a big difference to us, and it will make a big difference in the classroom in due course.”  

He goes on to say that there is generally a change to the societal attitude towards teaching, with these new ’2nd career’ teachers bringing in a passion and understanding to their subjects and a desire to give back to society.

So if you are considering teaching and would like further information, a great place to start is the TDA website (www.tda.gov.uk).  Good luck!

Dyslexic teacher wins outstanding new teacher award

Despite facing setbacks at school due to his severe dyslexia, Edward Vickerman pursued his dream to be a teacher and has clearly become a great success! I found it a really inspiring story, and illuminating to see how he got there.

Overcoming barriers

Edward didn’t take no for an answer when two teaching colleges turned him down because of his dyslexia. He sought out the college that would proactively support him and help work through potential problems. He also refused to be rail-roaded into staying in hotel management, or the family business – it is clear he had to be determined to pursue his career choice.

When it comes to his students, from the start he tells them upfront about his dyslexia, how it might affect aspects of his work such as in marking, and then he moves on.

For Edward, being dyslexic means he has had to find a range of ways to teach, rather than just ‘chalk and talk’. In particular he has embraced new technologies as well as active learning methods. This creativity in approach has benefited students too as the variety engages them, and for some they discover different ways to learn that completely transforms their attitude to classwork.

See The Guardian’s story for more details, and listen to Edward Vickerman talk about his experiences.

The new Reach website is going to feature inspiring stories such as this – coming early November…