Most Googled: initial teacher training (ITT)

Summary

Dr. Neil Gilbride, Associate Dean at Ambition Institute, shares insights into teacher training, focusing on the School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) program. He explains that SCITT offers a balance of practical experience in a main placement school and rigorous academic coursework. Dr. Gilbride addresses common questions, including the necessity of a degree, availability of student finance and tax-free incentives like BSER and scholarships, and assures that age is not a barrier to becoming a teacher. He encourages passionate individuals, regardless of age, to consider applying for the program via the Ambition Institute website.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skit stands for School Centered Initial Teacher Training, which emphasizes school-based learning with an academic component.
• 😀 The Ambition Institute's program is a post-graduate program that includes both school placements and a robust academic experience (PGCE).
• 😀 To train to be a teacher, you generally need a degree, but there are undergraduate teaching degrees available as well.
• 😀 Student finance is available for teacher training programs, and it works similarly to undergraduate student finance.
• 😀 The Teacher Training Bursary (Bser) is a tax-free incentive from the government, with amounts varying depending on the subject you choose to teach.
• 😀 Scholarships are available in some subjects to help support you through teacher training, but you cannot apply for both a bursary and a scholarship at the same time.
• 😀 Age is not a barrier to becoming a teacher—passion and the desire to make a difference matter more than age.
• 😀 The most rewarding schools often feature diversity not only in student populations but also among staff, making the environment welcoming for teachers of all backgrounds.
• 😀 The key to success in teaching is passion for making a difference in students' lives, no matter your age or background.
• 😀 To apply for the Ambition program, you should visit the Ambition website and select the regional partner that best fits your application needs.

Q & A

What does SKIT stand for and what does it entail?

SKIT stands for School-Centered Initial Teacher Training. It means that the majority of your teacher training will take place in a main placement school, where you will gain hands-on teaching experience. The Ambition Institute's SKIT program also includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), offering both practical experience and academic study.

Do I need a degree to start teacher training with Ambition Institute?

Yes, you need an undergraduate degree to begin the postgraduate program at Ambition Institute. However, some undergraduate teaching degrees allow you to train and teach immediately after graduation.

Can I receive student finance while training to teach?

Yes, you can receive student finance during your teacher training, and it works similarly to how it works for undergraduate degrees. Eligible trainees can apply for financial support throughout their training year.

What is the Teacher Training Bursary (BSER), and how does it work?

The Teacher Training Bursary (BSER) is a tax-free financial incentive from the government that is paid directly to your bank account during your training year. The amount you receive depends on the subject you are training to teach, and the bursary amount can vary each year.

Are there scholarships available for teacher trainees?

Yes, scholarships are available, often provided by subject associations for specific subjects. However, you can only receive either a bursary or a scholarship, not both, so you will need to decide which financial support option works best for you.

Am I too old to become a teacher?

No, age is not a barrier to becoming a teacher. Dr. Gilbride emphasizes that passion and the desire to make a difference in students’ lives are the most important factors, regardless of age. You can train to become a teacher at any age.

What makes a good candidate for teacher training?

The most important quality for a teacher training candidate is passion — the desire to make a positive impact on students' lives. Whether you're 24 or 44, if you feel the drive to teach and make a difference, it's the right time for you to begin training.

How do I apply for the teacher training program at Ambition Institute?

To apply, visit the Ambition Institute website, select the regional partner that best suits your application, and submit your application through the website.

What are the benefits of the SKIT program compared to other teacher training programs?

The SKIT program offers the best of both worlds — you get a school-centered training experience with a main placement school, and alongside that, you will receive an academic qualification (PGCE). This combination allows for practical experience while also meeting academic standards.

Can I apply for the teacher training program without a teaching degree?

While some undergraduate degrees in teaching allow direct entry into the profession, the Ambition Institute's program is a postgraduate program, meaning you need to have already earned an undergraduate degree before applying.