PhD graduates offered on-the-job teacher training

Written by Liv Hows

The program gives teaching jobs to PhD graduates

The second round of applications for a new on-the-job teacher training programme is now being offered exclusively to researchers who have completed a doctorate, or who are in the process of finishing their PhD. The programme is run by the organisation, Researchers in Schools (RIS) who hope to place candidates in teaching positions in non-selective state schools across the country, with their aim being to promote research skills and access to higher education. The programme offers jobs exclusively to PhD holders, with salaries available of up to £40,000 a year and a two year secured place on the training programme.

Last year the pilot scheme took place across ten state schools in London, with twenty PhD graduates obtaining teaching posts. Applications for the first round of places based in the South West are now open. Vacancies which will close on May 5th, 2015. Those who gain places on the programme will be beginning their training in September of this year. RIS has commented that this particular programme is the only one of its kind to solely recruit candidates who have PhDs.

Researchers in Schools aim to use the knowledge and expertise of PhD students to endorse particular subjects, particularly in the fields of maths and physics. Seventy percent of the successful applicants from the first round of the scheme are now training to teach in these subjects.

As part of the programme, RIS states that trainee teachers on the scheme are given time and support to continue with research in their chosen field. The organisation has also said that alongside this, trainees of the scheme will be appointed as an Honorary Research Associate at King’s College London, or another partner university.

Researchers in Schools has also received backing from the government and the Department of Education. The extension of the scheme follows an announcement by the Prime Minster in March, of the launch of a £67 million five-year programme which aims to train thousands of new maths and physics teachers.

Commenting on the launch of applications in the South West, Jonathan Sobczyk, Director of Researchers in Schools said: “We are excited that our programme, which is recruiting trainees from all subject backgrounds is now rolling out to seven regions, including the South West, and have been overwhelmed at the demand from high calibre candidates seeking to work with young people, help them excel academically and achieve their aspirations.”

More information on the scheme can be found here: www.researchersinschools.org.