A CAMPAIGN DESIGNED to encourage more people to enter the teaching profession has released a series of short films – with the starring roles played by pupils from Elgin Academy.
The Scottish Government’s ‘Inspiring Teachers’ campaign focusses in particular on those who specialise in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Moray pupils are seen sharing their stories of teachers who have inspired them – as well as teachers themselves as they face a tough new interview panel.
One of the films to be released features Alasdair talking about his physics teacher, Mr Reid. He explains how Mr Reid has helped and inspired him: “Physics on its own doesn’t sound that interesting, but when you’re in class and watch the space launch for instance it suddenly becomes much more interesting.
“This has influenced me to want to pursue a career in engineering, and that is something that I probably wouldn’t have chosen if it hadn’t been for Mr Reid.”
The films will be released on the Scottish Government YouTube channel and Teaching Scotland to support the teacher recruitment campaign aimed to encourage more graduates or career changers to enter the teaching profession, with a particular focus on attracting high quality, passionate teachers to STEM subjects.
Leading Scottish figureheads including Actor Colin McCredie, Scottish homebuilder, Stewart Milne, Managing Director of OPITO UK John McDonald and Professor Ian Baikie have also contributed with their support, sharing memories of teachers who inspired them and how it helped them to get where they are today.
Cabinet secretary for lifelong learning, Angela Constance MSP, said: “We know that teaching is key to creating a world-class education system and we are determined to attract more high-quality, passionate teachers into the profession, particularly in science, technology, engineering and maths where we know there is a demand.
“Teaching is highly-valued and rewarding – most of us remember a teacher who inspired us. We want these skilled professionals to continue to inspire the next generation and this phase of the campaign highlights some fantastic examples of this.
“Teacher numbers have remained stable since last year and we have maintained pupil teacher ratios, ensuring that our children have access to the right number of quality teachers throughout their education.
“We are also trying innovative ways to encourage and support extra graduates into hard-to-recruit subjects and rural areas including allowing council employees to retrain as teachers while in work and the distance learning initial teacher education programme in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Angus.”