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Teacher Training

If you have a passion for a particular subject and think you would enjoy working with young people and adults, helping to shape a positive future for them, then teaching in post-16 further or higher education could be for you.

Providing a wide range of opportunities for students looking to start or progress their teacher or trainer career in the post-compulsory sector, we can find a course that will help you realise your ambition.

If you have a degree but have never taught before or if you are an existing practitioner wishing to develop your career in the education sector by adding to your existing qualifications, we can help you on your journey to becoming a qualified teacher in the FE/ HE sector (please note these are not primary or secondary school training programmes).

During your studies you will be challenged with questions, scenarios, and problems as you develop your personal teaching style. You’ll gain real, first-hand experience, learning from the people in the roles you want to be in and from those who have been in your shoes. Benefiting from a personalised teacher mentor, we’ll help you develop the skills you need for employment.

This practice-based programme equips trainees with the skills and knowledge required for teaching, in a range of contexts. Successful applicants will be assigned a teaching placement and a subject specialist mentor and will also have the opportunity to work with subject specialist Teacher Educators, at the University of Huddersfield (the awarding body).

Successful completion of a Certificate in Education, Professional Graduate Certificate in Education or Post-Graduate Certificate in Education programme with us can support the application for Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills status, through the Society for Education and Training.

Finding the Correct Programme for You:

We offer a range of programmes which relate to the highest level of qualification you currently have, such as if you have level 3-5 qualifications you would be looking at a Certificate in Education (level 5) and if you have an honours degree within your subject area (and possibly post graduate qualifications) you may consider the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (level 6) or Post Graduate Certificate in Education (level 7).

Many of our trainees already work within the teaching sector (these are ‘In-Service’ trainees and can typically study their programme alongside working commitments), though some trainees do not currently work in the sector and may require placements arranging (these are ‘Pre-Service’ trainees).

Our Teacher Training Courses

Our Staff

Deborah Ellis BA, MA, QTLS

Subject Area Lead School for Education

I am the Subject Area Lead for Education and centre manager delivering Initial Teacher Education for the Lifelong Learning sector. My career has spanned several sectors, mainly post 14 and HE work, holding QTLS

Jim Phillips – MA, BDes(Hons), PGCE, SFHEA

HE Curriculum Lead: Teacher Training and the Humanities

With many years of experience teaching, running a department and mentoring PGCE trainees within the mainstream secondary sector (11-18), I joined DNCG as a HE lecturer in education based studies. Within HE I have programme led and lectured on a range of programmes including the NASENCO (formal SENCO qualification) and BA(Hons) Education Studies, before becoming Deputy Head of School and now Curriculum Leader for Teacher Training and the Humanities. I am delighted to lecture on our teacher training programmes.

I have over 22 years' experience within education, health, and social care and over 18 years’ experience of teaching in a range of roles both in the community and in education settings.

Paula McCay MA BEd (Hons) NPQH

Lecturer Teacher Education

I have a broad range of teaching experiences spanning 36+ years. Half of my previous experiences have been spent in leadership roles as a Deputy Head Teacher, Acting Head Teacher, Head Teacher and more recently as a University Based Mentor/Tutor for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln. My current role enables me to support trainee teaching to develop effective pedagogical approaches to supporting the learning of children and young people.

Sarah Johnson MA, BA (Hons),PGCE, EYT, QTLS

Lecturer Initial Teacher Education for the Lifelong Learning sector

I teach and provide pastoral mentoring on the Initial Teacher Education for the Lifelong Learning sector. I have been involved in teacher education across FE and HE for over 12 years. I have experience teaching across a range of levels from level 2/3 all the way to level 7. I have sector experience as an Early Years SENCO and I am a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner working mainly with children and young people with SEND and Behaviour difficulties.

Shelley Forster MA, BA (Hons), PGCE

Lecturer for Initial Teacher Education for the Lifelong Learning sector.

I deliver Initial Teacher Education for the Lifelong Learning sector. I have been involved in teacher education for over twenty years. I am an experienced practitioner having taught across a range of levels both in Further and Higher Education. I have maintained Quality roles within the sector throughout my career and work with external partner to maintain consistent and current standards.