BUDDING teachers are being offered a vocation as a North-East college stages a region-wide recruitment drive in response to massive demand in the profession.
Carmel College’s Initial Teacher Training is staging information sessions in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Newcastle to attract would-be teachers to the classroom.
School and national advisors will be on hand to give advice on applications, finance and bursaries. Visitors will also get the chance to talk to teachers and current trainees about their experiences.
The Carmel Teacher Training Partnership involves primary and secondary schools from across the region. The programme currently places 129 trainees in schools in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland and Darlington.
Nationally, more teachers are needed as a baby boom generation in schools coincides with fewer people at university.
“As a region, we also want to secure the highest standards in teaching and learning to ensure students have the most rewarding school life,” said Carmel College ITT lead Sara Crawshaw.
“The beauty of the way we run ITT, as opposed to taking a PGCE at university, is that it is school-centred so is a very real experience of the profession.
“Teaching is a vocation; it is so rewarding. Our trainees are incredibly committed and talented and as a result 98 per cent walk straight into jobs.
“As a teacher you are an integral part of the community and a very influential one at that. You can make a real difference to children’s lives and their families and work in a vibrant, stimulating and positive environment.”
Supported by the National College for Teaching and Learning, the Thinking About Teaching sessions will be staged at Carmel College, Darlington, from 6pm to 8pm on January 6.
In Middlesbrough the information evening will be held at The Curial Office, The Avenue, Linthorpe, from 6pm to 8pm on January 26.
In Newcastle the event will be held at St Cuthbert’s House, from 6pm to 8pm on February 3.
Sara added: “The sessions will provide the chance to come along and discuss what it is to be a teacher.
“They are targeted at people who are studying at university or people in or out of work who might be thinking of retraining and trying something different.”
Anyone interested, from any faith or none, is invited to turn up on the evening to find out more about primary and secondary teaching.
For more information on ITT and the information sessions contact Sara Crawshaw (01325) 254525 or scrawshaw@carmel.org.uk and visit http://carmelteachertraining.org.uk.