Falkirk: Leading Teachers
What is it?
This two year pilot project involves the appointment of two Leading Teachers in each of four secondary schools to coach and mentor colleagues in approaches to effective learning and teaching. The Leading Teachers are identified through a rigorous recruitment and selection procedure and able to demonstrate proven ability in the classroom which has led to increased attainment and achievement. They are paid an annual fee of £1,000 and released from the classroom 0.4 FTE to support colleagues.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Stirling University where the Leading Teachers will undertake two Professional Enquiry modules to develop their skills in coaching and mentoring colleagues. These modules can be accredited to Chartered Teacher qualification. In addition all leading teachers are trained in Accelerated Learning to provide them with a common pedagogical basis from which to develop their role.
FLaT involvement?
FLaT support will help to provide fees, part-time release and aspects of training for the Leading Teachers in conjunction with the local authority which will contribute funding in cash and kind for the duration of the project.
Links with National Priorities?
1. Achievement and Attainment2. Framework for Learning
3. Inclusion and Equality
4. Values and Citizenship
5. Learning for Life
Project Aims?
Session 2006/07
- Four secondary schools will be involved in the initial phase with each school appointing two Leading Teachers from a variety of subject areas, related to the priorities identified in the Secondary School Improvement Plan.
- Senior management team in each school will be trained in the strategic management of the project.
Leading Teachers will embark on the professional development programme in partnership with the University of Stirling.
Session 2007/08
- The Leading Teachers in the phase one schools will continue to support identified staff.
- The initial phase of this approach will be evaluated and if successful outcomes have been achieved the approach will be embedded into the Authority’s School Improvement Strategy.
Session 2008/09
The operation of the initial phase will be reviewed and if successful outcomes have been achieved:
- A new cohort of Leading Teachers will be selected within the first phase schools.
- The programme will be extended to all eight secondary schools.
- The EA, in partnership with the schools, will provide the CPD programme focusing on learning and teaching, and tailored to meet the needs of the individuals.
Project Outcomes?
The Outcomes of the project are:
- Improved levels of attainment and achievement in secondary schools
- An enhanced culture of continuous improvement in secondary schools
- An enhanced culture of collegiate working within secondary schools
- The development of accelerated learning in the pilot schools
- Completion of the Professional Enquiry modules by all Leading Teachers
- The establishment of coaching and mentoring as a key strategy in bringing about school improvement
Timescale?
The project started in October 2006 and will run until June 2008.
Level of Support?
FLaT support is a grant of £102,860.
Evaluation?
The project has established a management structure which includes a Steering Group, a Programme Board and a Leading Teachers Network. The scheme will be closely monitored in each school by a responsible DHT, at EA level by a Lead Officer who will report to the Steering Group and ultimately to the Secondary Schools Improvement Partnership on a termly basis. Evaluation will be carried out by an external agency yet to be identified.
Contact person:
Norrie McDonald, Quality Improvement Officer, Falkirk Education Services, McLaren House, Polmont FK2 0NZ. Tel: 01324 506657