Assessment Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status

A recently approved Teacher Development Agency (TDA) policy will, when implemented, offer experienced teachers in schools around the world opportunity to earn Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through an assessment only portfolio development process enabling them to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales and, under the regulations on equivalence of qualifications, across the European Union.

EducatorsAbroad (EA) faculty are consulting with potential UK university providers to form a partnership through which EA will offer an on-line and on-site programme of support and assessment through which educators can gain this qualification.

Candidates must

• Have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics, and that all who are assessed in settings that include 3-11 pupils additionally have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in a science subject.
• Hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.
• Have taken part in an interview designed to assess their suitability to teach.
• Have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure check and/or any other appropriate background checks.
• Have the intellectual and academic capabilities needed to meet the required QTS standards; possess the appropriate qualities, attitudes and values expected of a teacher; can read effectively and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English; and have met the Secretary of State’s requirements for health and physical capacity to teach.

Candidates will demonstrate that they meet the standards for the award of QTS: a) by compiling and submitting a portfolio of evidence of their abilities as a classroom teacher, and b) through direct observation and assessment of their teaching.

Timing

EA faculty are currently preparing materials to implement this on-line option for teachers in a range of schools and locations around the world.

Details will be available at www.educatorsabroad.org as soon as TDA provides guidance on how this assessment only route to QTS will be managed and arrangements between EA and a partner university are in place . Expectation by May/June 2010.

Cost

Cost for EA and partner university services (including minimum one and on-half day on-site visit including teaching observation and portfolio validation by EA faculty) projected to be under £2,900.00.

Note: QTS is the only award required to have a valid teaching qualification and be certified as a teacher in England.

PGCE and NQT are separate components of teacher professional development.