Providing the right continuing professional development
The early development and continuous updating of skills and knowledge in the workforce is needed in the education sector as much as any other. Teaching STEM subjects requires not only competence and enthusiasm to teach, but also up-to-date knowledge of scientific and technological developments. The importance of providing high quality professional development for teachers and lecturers of STEM subjects was clearly identified in the Roberts Review of 2002, and in subsequent studies of STEM education.
Many organisations provide high-quality professional development for STEM teachers both outside and within schools and colleges. The following Lead Organisations are starting points for more information about provision.
Improving teaching and learning through CPD for mathematics teachers National Lead Organisation: National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) provides and signposts high quality resources to teachers, mathematics education networks, HEIs and CPD providers throughout England. At the same time, the NCETM encourages schools and colleges to learn from their own best practice through collaboration among staff and by sharing good practice locally, regionally and nationally. For example, the NCETM has provided funding for a small grants scheme managed by the National STEM Centre, to encourage STEM departmental collaboration in schools and colleges.
Improving teaching and learning through CPD for science teachers National Lead Organisation: National Science Learning Centre
The Science Learning Centres are a national network for professional development in science teaching. The Centres support teachers in enhancing their professional skills, by learning more about contemporary scientific ideas and in experimenting with effective teaching approaches. The National Science Learning Centre leads the co-ordination of CPD for science teachers through the network?s nine regional centres.
Improving teaching and learning by engaging teachers with T&E National Lead Organisation: Computing at School
CAS aims to support and promote computing in UK schools, by providing opportunities and resources to help all educators and learners to better understand, use and develop computing in a variety of activities and fields.
Many other organisations provide CPD for teachers, both in and outside the school environment.
In school, for example: Specialist Schools and Academies Trust www.ssatrust.org.uk SSAT aims to give practical support to transforming education by building and enabling a world-class network of innovative, high-performing schools in partnership with business and the wider community. Local Authorities www.direct.gov.uk Local Authorities have responsibility for education within their jurisdiction.