A TASTE OF TEACHING

A three-day teacher training taster course specifically aimed at ethnic minority communities is to take place at Edge Hill College of Higher Education?s Ormskirk Campus from the 2nd to the 4th March.

In line with the Teacher Training Agency, Edge Hill is keen to attract people who are underrepresented in teaching, to take up training opportunities. The taster session provides an introduction to the profession for those considering teaching as a career option. Nadeem Baghdadi is Ethnic Minority Recruitment Officer at Edge Hill: "It really is vital that we have teachers from all cultural groups to inspire and enthuse future generations. As one of largest providers of teacher education, Edge Hill is making every effort to encourage those from ethnic minority communities to find out more about the rewards that the profession can offer. The perceived status of teachers in ethnic communities is quite low and I hope to change this misconception by telling people about the financial incentives, like a good starting salary, as well as a £6000 bursary for some PGCE routes, excellent career development opportunities and long-term financial security."

The taster course involves a mixture of lectures and workshops and a day spent in a school to observe teachers. Participants will have the chance to find out about the range of routes into the profession and also take up the opportunity to work alongside newly qualified, as well as experienced teachers.

Subjects covered on each course include: mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, information and communication technology, design and technology, geography, music and religious education.

For further information please contact John McManus on tel: 01695 584687 or e mail: mcmanusj@edgehill.ac.uk or visit Edge Hill?s website at www.edgehill.ac.uk.

ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: Nadeem Baghdadi is available for interview. Please contact the press office to arrange: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk