Hats off to newest home-grown teachers

Friday 26 September 2014

Six graduates are going back to school now they’ve passed their teacher training in Jersey.

They officially graduated yesterday and picked up their certificates at a special ceremony after completing the Jersey Graduate Teacher Training Programme (JGTTP).

The course has become a popular option for people who find it difficult tot go to a UK university for teacher training. 56 teachers have qualified in total since it was set up in 2005 and are now working in local secondary schools.

Course co-ordinator Helen Frost said: “The training usually takes place over one academic year with placements in two secondary schools. The majority of the time is spent in front of a class and trainees are supported by mentors who are experienced, senior members of staff. It can be a challenging year but at the end of the programme people are ready to start a new career where their skills can really make a difference to young people’s lives.”

Former JEP journalist Carly Lockhart is one of the new graduates and now teaches English at Le Rocquier School.

Miss Lockhart said: “I had earned a place on a PGCE (post graduate certificate in education) course at one of the top universities for teacher training, but turned it down when I made it on to the Jersey Graduate Teacher Training Programme. I never saw myself teaching elsewhere so being able to train in Jersey meant I could really understand the Island's education system. 

“I undertook my placements at Le Rocquier School and Jersey College for Girls so was able to teach 11-year-olds up to 18-year-olds and get experience at different local schools. I had a lot of support during my training year, with mentors at both schools to give me practical advice as well as weekly courses at Highlands College and visits from tutors at the University of London's Institute of Education. 

“Training to be a teacher is hard enough without having to move away from home and worry about the financial aspects of a post-graduate course. The JGTTP gets rid of that extra stress so you can focus on the things that matter. I’ve had much more in-school training compared to friends who have done a PGCE, so I feel more equipped to deal with the challenges I now face in my NQT year.”

The JGTTP is open to Islanders who already have a degree and priority is given to those wanting to teach either Maths, English or Science where there may be a shortage of staff.

Education pays their tuition fees but trainees can apply for a means-tested maintenance grant to cover their living costs.

Education Minister Patrick Ryan said: “There are many talented graduates in the Jersey workforce who have the potential to transfer to teaching and become an asset in our schools. This course has proved to be extremely valuable because it gives us access to a pool of interesting candidates who have a range of experience and skills. From the graduates’ point of view it is a unique opportunity to change careers and enter an important and rewarding profession.”

You can find out more about the course by contacting Careers Jersey on 449440, by emailing: careers@gov.je or go to www.gov.je/careers