University News Last updated 23 March 2010
Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) keen to boost their careers and classroom management skills can now enrol for the new Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning (MTL) through Teach West Midlands to undertake their course at Birmingham City University, or other consortium members starting next month.
Launched last April by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) the MTL is being delivered in the Midlands region by Teach West Midlands (TWM), a Consortium of eight West Midlands Universities, with all fees paid for by the government.
This 3 year part-time/flexible programme is currently available to Newly Qualified Teachers in National Challenge Schools or Schools facing Challenging Circumstances.
The MTL combines the academic rigour of a traditional Masters Degree with hands-on classroom-based learning. What makes it unique is the support NQTs will get from a fellow teacher and a university tutor. Course content and assessment are based around areas such as school improvement and personalised learning. Curriculum development and subject leadership will benefit the individual’s career and feed directly into the school.
There are three phases of the programme which includes developing professional skills, embedding professional skills and sharing practice and developing specialist knowledge.
Dr Janet Hoskyns, Head of School at the Faculty of Education, Law & Social Sciences at Birmingham City University, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting, first class opportunity to some of our recent graduates from the PGCE Secondary courses. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to undertake some relevant Professional Development.’
Eligible candidates for the programme at Birmingham City University need to apply through the University of Worcester who are processing MTL applications on behalf of the Teach West Midlands Consortium.