Program Overview

Introduction to the Returning to Teaching Course

The Returning to Teaching course is an online program designed for primary and secondary teachers who have been out of the profession for a while or have graduated abroad and would like to get back into a teaching job in Scotland. The course is offered by the Moray House School of Education and Sport, in partnership with six partner authorities.

Course Aims and Objectives

The course aims to:

• Understand and engage with current National Education Policy and the Professional Teaching Standards in Scotland
• Develop an awareness of professional identity and teacher professionalism
• Critically examine own values, beliefs, and practices and how these align with the Professional Standards and current educational policy in Scotland
• Consider and engage with key areas of social justice and equality in the classroom
• Understand key legal and policy requirements relating to inclusive policies and strategies in school

Course Structure and Delivery

The course is a 10-week online program, with all resources available on the Canvas learning platform. The course commences in February/March and September, and participants are expected to dedicate 4-6 hours per week to engage with the course content. The course includes:

• Pre-recorded videos
• Reading material
• Weekly discussion forum boards
• Three additional online live sessions (recommended but not compulsory)

Course Topics

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Introduction to Returning to Teaching and the landscape of education in Scotland
• Professional Values, Professional Standards, Learning for Sustainability, and the National Attainment Challenge
• Positive Relationships in School
• Curriculum for Excellence
• Planning for Curriculum for Excellence
• Pedagogies for Learning, Teaching, and Assessment
• Inclusive Pedagogies
• Pupil Voice, Partnerships with Parents, and School Improvement
• Equality and Diversity
• Professional Learning Revisited
• Returning to Teaching: Practical Guidance and Support

Assessment and Enrolment Requirements

Participation in the weekly discussion forums is monitored, and participants must take part in at least eight forums to complete the course. An assessment is also required, which involves answering five questions reflecting against the GTCS' Professional Standards. To enroll, participants must be fully qualified teachers, eligible to register with the GTCS, and have obtained their qualifications in Scotland, the UK, or abroad.

Course Fee and Booking Information

The course fee is ｣480, and booking is available online. The course is self-funded, and there is no funding or grant available to help pay for the fee. Payment must be made by card in one installment, and the course fee is non-refundable.

Feedback from Previous Participants

Previous participants have praised the course, stating that it has:

• Given them a great refresher of being a teacher in Scotland
• Covered a wide variety of important topics
• Made them feel more confident about going back into classrooms
• Deepened their knowledge of the professional standards
• Provided a supportive group of colleagues to work collaboratively with in the future

University Information

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC, VAT Registration Number GB, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a "Recognised body" which has been granted degree-awarding powers. The University is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities.