Why are the government’s plans to reform teacher training so controversial?

@EDSKthinktank’s #insideyoured podcast #3

The government does not often find itself in a war of words with the likes of Oxford University and Cambridge University, yet that is precisely what has transpired over the past few months.  But their public disagreements have nothing to do with tuition fees, student loans or university funding.

Instead, it is the government’s proposed reforms to the way teachers are trained that has generated a considerable amount of friction. 

Anyone who wants to become a teacher in England has several options available to them in terms of how they train. For example, you can train at a university through a 1-year post graduate certificate in education, or PGCE.

Alternatively, you could train on the job in a group of neighbouring schools or colleges. Both these options are known as Initial Teacher Training (or ITT for short). 

• So why has the government decided to reform the way that teachers are trained?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of what they are proposing?
• And why is it that the government’s plans have met such vocal opposition? 

To give us their perspective on the government’s proposed changes to Initial Teacher Training in England, we are joined by two guests who take a very keen interest in how we train teachers and how that training is delivered. 

John Blake is the Head of Public Affairs and Engagement and the former Curriculum Research and Design Lead at Ark Schools, a large multi-academy trust. 

And James Noble-Rogers is Executive Director of the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers, a membership organisation for universities involved in teacher education and education research. 

EDSK are delighted to announce the launch of their new podcast called ‘Inside Your Ed’, which will look inside the latest stories from across the education system in England including schools, colleges, apprenticeships and universities.

If you enjoy listening then please do leave a positive review on your podcast provider, and you can send us your views on each episode using the hashtag #insideyoured.