Covid

How to ensure trainee teachers don’t miss out due to Covid

15 Oct 2020, 15:42

The Education Committee has heard from a panel of experts on how to solve specialist teacher shortages

Rising numbers of applicants are welcome but how to support them in this challenging environment is a question on every training provider’s mind, writes Paul Thornton

A 65 per cent rise in teacher training applications may help to tackle teacher shortages in key areas such as computing, but it also poses challenges. This would be true in normal times, but it is even more pronounced with Covid restrictions in place.

The fact is that most of this year’s trainee teachers will not have the same opportunities as their predecessors. Some will find it a challenge to complete the required 120 days in school, while others may get placements but miss out on hands-on practice. Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers will need support to ensure they can provide the full training that is the best guarantee these applicants will not be lost to the profession.

Computer science is a case in point, and the work the National Centre for Computing Education has been doing provides solutions that could have sector-wide impact.

There’s an urgent need for more computer science teachers. Over 480 mainstream secondary schools in England still do not offer GCSE Computer Science, with lack of trained teachers the most-cited reason. Primary teachers also need the skills and confidence to deliver the computing curriculum.

Making sure trainee teachers get support to develop their subject knowledge is vital

That’s why, first and foremost, making sure trainee teachers get support to develop their subject knowledge is vital. NCCE’s remote courses, delivered by CPD quality marked facilitators are doing just that, and we know the approach is working. Manchester Metropolitan University has told us that “the flexibility of the NCCE has allowed the student teachers at MMU to take part” in the bespoke online course. “There was a really positive mood among the students to get involved.”

But why stop at subject specialists? Broadening trainee teachers’ potential to deliver for schools also increases their chances of remaining in the profession. That’s why, through online courses, webinars and peer networking, the NCCE has enhanced its provision to cater for second-subject specialist trainees.

Maths teacher, Sophie Jenkinson attended one the NCCE’s summer schools for early-career teachers. She is completing her NQT year and has already been asked if she could teach an additional subject. “Although I had little prior knowledge of computing,” she says, “the course made me feel competent to gain the accreditation. Attending this summer school was outside of my comfort zone but I know it’s enhanced my training year.”

Jenkinson is one of over a thousand teachers to have completed our Computer Science Accelerator. A further 2,500 are progressing through the programme.

And there’s a third benefit. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated demand for a more digitally-skilled workforce in schools as well as in every other sector. The transition to online learning during lockdown was a credit to the profession, but in reality very unequally achieved. The likelihood of further disruption means now is the time to get the skilled workers in place to level up those schools that have been held back.

Looking at the big picture, computing and digital skills will be required for 90 per cent of future jobs. With a recession of unknown duration likely to hit young people hardest, now is also the time to invest in them, their life chances and employability skills.

But teachers can’t expect of young people what they can’t demonstrate themselves, and that goes beyond subject knowledge. As Jenkinson says, “I am passionate about lifelong learning. I want my students to know that I am willing to put in the work to improve myself, just like I want them to do during my lessons.”

The combination of face-to-face intensive sessions, online support and close liaison with ITE providers we are developing is now essential. The alternative is to allow the legacy of Covid to be a missed opportunity for teachers and a lifetime of limited opportunities for their students.

Latest education roles from

IT Technician

IT Technician

Harris Academy Morden

Teacher of Geography

Teacher of Geography

Harris Academy Orpington

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Exams Assistant

Exams Assistant

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult & Community College

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Solihull College and University Centre

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Beyond exams: why ASDAN’s refreshed qualifications are key to real-world learner success

In today’s outcome-driven education landscape, it’s easy to overlook the quieter, yet equally vital, qualities that help learners truly...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Turbo boost your pupil outcomes with Teach First

Finding new teaching talent for your school can be time consuming and costly. Especially when you want to be...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Inspiring Leadership Conference 2025: Invaluable Insights, Professional Learning Opportunities & A Supportive Community

This June, the Inspiring Leadership Conference enters its eleventh year and to mark the occasion the conference not only...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Catch Up® Literacy and Catch Up® Numeracy are evidence-based interventions which are highly adaptable to meet the specific needs of SEND / ALN learners

Catch Up® is a not-for-profit charity working to address literacy and numeracy difficulties that contribute to underachievement. They offer...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Covid

DfE Covid lockdown party may have gone on past 1am

Staff swiped out of Sanctuary Buildings 34 times after 10am on night of party, 8 times after 1am

Samantha Booth
Covid

Long Covid teachers join forces to sue ministers

About 85 teachers in the UK have expressed an interest in joining the action

Lucas Cumiskey
Covid

Williamson ‘considered resigning’ over ‘panic’ Jan 2021 school closures

Former ed sec tells Covid inquiry he did not have 'complete autonomy' over closure decisions, and claims his advice...

Freddie Whittaker
Covid

Covid: ‘Williamson threw schools under the bus’

Inquiry hears former education secretary opposed face masks in schools to avoid 'surrender' to unions

Amy Walker

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *