A scheme which aims to combat Aberdeenshire’s crisis in teaching levels will run for a second year.
Last year, Aberdeenshire Council had to fly in teachers from Canada and Ireland because staffing levels were critically low.
The Distance Learning Initial Teacher Education (DLITE) initiative offers aspiring teachers the chance to complete a postgraduate teaching qualification on a part-time basis.
The 20 students who enrolled on last year’s course are almost half-way through the 18-month course.
Prospective students are being invited along to an information evening at Inverurie Academy on Wednesday, from 5-6pm, to find out a bit more about the scheme.
The programme is a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the council’s Education and Children’s Services (ECS) department.
Students will complete the course on a part-time basis, primarily using online resources, with the support of the university allowing them to continue with other work commitments.
Candidates will also complete 18 weeks of practical experience in schools, giving them the same experience as those completing the full-time course.
Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson is chairwoman of the Education, Learning and Leisure Committee (ELLC).
She said: “We started the programme last year and I know some of the students who are currently enrolled and they’re really enjoying it.
“I think there has been similar types of projects done elsewhere in the past but we are certainly leading the way with this.
“This is great because it allows people to do the course, which they would not normally have been able to do because of their own personal circumstances.”
Anyone who wishes to join the course must either live in Aberdeenshire or work for ECS and have experience of working with children in a school, child care or voluntary setting.
In addition, applicants must have a degree from a recognised university and have qualifications in Higher English and credit level Mathematics at Standard Grade level, or equivalent.
For more information on the course contact margaret.khan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
