Teach First believes that excellent teachers can close this achievement gap, and works to achieve this by developing participants through the Leadership Development Programme. The aim is for participants to become outstanding classroom leaders in schools in challenging circumstances, who are committed to leading in their classrooms and tackling educational disadvantage. Participants work to raise the achievement, access and aspirations of their pupils.
The Teach First Leadership Development Programme combines working, training and qualifying as a teacher with leadership development training, coaching and mentoring. This focuses on developing them as a leader of learning as well as giving the participants skills and knowledge around leading organisations and leading people. On completion of all the commitments to the Leadership Development Programme, participants become Teach First ambassadors and join a growing movement of people who are committed to continuing to address educational disadvantage throughout their lives, whichever career they choose to take up long-term.
Alongside the Leadership Development Programme there are also opportunities for networking and internships. Participants also have the opportunity to work towards a masters qualification to further develop their leadership skills and knowledge of education.
How long is the Leadership Development Programme?
The programme takes two years to complete, after which successful participants graduate to become Teach First Ambassadors. With the experience gained from the programme and their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people today, ambassadors' impact on education continues beyond the two years, whether they progress their leadership journeys within the classroom or beyond.
Where can I do the programme?
The Teach First Leadership Development Programme is currently available in seven regions: East Midlands, Kent and Medway, London, North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
What qualifications do I need?
In order to apply for the programme, eligible candidates will need to satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- 2:1 degree or above 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
- have a degree or A levels that satisfy the teaching subject requirements. More information on these can be found on the Teach First website
- grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE maths and English
- flexibility to work anywhere within Teach First's seven regions
- commitment for the duration of the two-year Leadership Development Programme
In addition to this, candidates need to demonstrate relevant subject knowledge and the following competencies:
- humility, respect, and empathy
- interaction
- knowledge
- leadership
- planning and organising
- problem solving
- resilience
- self-evaluation
Is any additional funding available?
Teach First participants are paid and employed by their primary or secondary school throughout the two years. Salaries vary according to the region and school in which you are placed. There are no training fees for the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. In your first year you are paid as an unqualified teacher and in your second year you will be paid as a qualified teacher.
While accommodation, transport and food expenses are provided over the Summer Institute, Teach First is aware that there are those who will require financial support over this period and August. Teach First would not want applicants to be discouraged from applying owing to financial reasons. For details around the support that Teach First can offer please contact the recruitment team at faq@teachfirst.org.uk
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2012 programme have now closed. Teach First will reopen applications for the 2013 Leadership Development Programme in early June 2012. Please continue to visit the Teach First website for the latest information.
