22 August 2016

Information evening to be held as applications open for aspiring teachers

An information evening will take place at the start of September for anyone interested in a hugely successful part-time postgraduate course which has helped almost 50 people become primary teachers in Aberdeenshire.

The event will allow aspiring teachers to find out more about the DLITE (Distance Learning Initial Teacher Education) programme and will take place between 6.30-7.30pm on Thursday, September 1 in the assembly hall at Inverurie Academy.

This is the fourth year of the DLITE programme which is run in partnership between Aberdeenshire Council and the University of Aberdeen

Candidates must already have a degree from a recognised university and meet the entry requirements for the university (Higher English and Standard Grade Maths at credit level or equivalent).

They will also need experience working with children in a child care, school or voluntary setting and must either work at Aberdeenshire Council or live in Aberdeenshire.

Those who cannot attend the information evening are invited to contact Margaret Khan at Aberdeenshire Council for application forms by emailing margaret.khan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Cllr Alison Evison, said: “The DLITE programme has been extremely successful in Aberdeenshire, enabling people who already live and work here to consider a fulfilling career as a teacher.

“The course, which lasts for 18 months, has proved very popular with people who cannot study full-time, as candidates are instead supported to study part-time and online alongside their normal working hours.”

Vice-chair of the committee, Cllr Charles Buchan, said: “DLITE students benefit from formal study as well as 18 weeks of practical experience in Aberdeenshire schools and the chance to come together frequently with council and university staff.

“As a former teacher I know firsthand what a rewarding career it is so if you’re thinking about a change in job or just want to find out more, I’d encourage you to go along to the information evening next month.”

Successful applicants will begin the course in January 2017, finish it in June 2018 and begin as probationers in Aberdeenshire primary schools at the start of term in August 2018.