A career in early years teaching is very rewarding as Stephanie Drake, currently loving life in Bangkok, can attest.  

Excellent early years teachers make a lasting, positive impact on children’s well-being and development, opening young children’s minds to new concepts and ideas on a daily basis. But when Stephanie Drake (pictured) attained Early Years Teacher Status at the Institute of Education in 2014, she little dstephanie drakereamt that her career would offer the added attraction of an idyllic life on the other side of the world.

Stephanie originally graduated in Journalism and Media & Cultural studies from Kingston University. By 2009, she found herself in Korea teaching English with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification. Whilst there, Stephanie came to realise that teaching was her future. This conviction was underlined by the opportunities she was offered of working with children of all different ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The varied work gave Stephanie a valuable insight into her chosen profession and helped her to decide which stage of childhood she wanted to work with.

When Stephanie finished her contact in Korea, she knew it was time to come back to the UK to gain more qualifications.

“I knew about the long-established PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) but whilst applying for that, I found out about this course (EYTS) which seemed far more appropriate for me,” she explained.

Kensington International Kindergarten in Bangkok
Kensington International Kindergarten in Bangkok

“The most enjoyable thing for me on the programme was having placements which ran alongside the course of study, meaning you are able to apply what you are learning back at university,” Stephanie added.

She found that the most challenging aspect of the programme was having to demonstrate skills in leadership and change management right from the beginning:

“I had to say ‘Well I know you’re already ‘Outstanding’ as a setting, but I still want to go ahead and improve such-and-such.’”

Stephanie’s next steps came quickly.

“Before I graduated I was updating my CV and I was immediately offered a job as a senior nursery nurse not far from Reading. During my time there, I was thrilled to be offered my ‘dream job’ here in Thailand.

“The location is beautiful; purpose-built and constructed with children in mind. I’ve got my own class of 16 children and am in charge of two teaching assistants and a nanny. The children go home at midday and so I have plenty of preparation time.  The purpose-built design of the school and the climate of Thailand enables learning to take place both inside and outside of the classroom all year round.

“The other great benefit is that the course has enabled me to pursue my passion of travelling and teaching – being able to work in a different part of the world, and gain valuable experience working with parents and children with EAL. It’s a good contract: they pay the rent for where I live and will give me a housing allowance if I move out.  I am receiving training which will be helpful for my promotion prospects.”

When asked what advice she would give to undergraduate students (not necessarily in education) who are interested in this kind of work, Stephanie said:

“If it’s something you feel passionate about, go for it, but make sure you get some experience with children first to check that you have the vocation and interest!”

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Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is awarded to graduates who have been judged to have met all of the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years) in practice from birth to five years old. Early Years Teacher Status is the only graduate accreditation for the early years workforce.

 

 

 

Science and Religion in Education Conference, Friday 28.10.16 at Oxford University

A conference exploring links between education science and religion is being organised by the LASAR (Learning About Science and Religion) Project at the University of Reading with the Department of Education, University of Oxford.

Some people believe that science and religion are necessarily opposed and compete for the same territory. The pervasiveness of the conflict thesis – in schools and among the wider public – is underpinned by a myriad of complex factors. This conference will discuss why the conflict thesis is so prevalent in people’s thinking, and will showcase research and activities designed to improve students’ and the wider public’s understanding of how science and religion relate.

DSC_1105-300x228Keynote: Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford

Chair: Michael Reiss, Professor of Science Education at UCL Institute of Education

More information about the conference or call for papers here >>>>

or email for details: LASAR@reading.ac.uk

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University of Reading International Research Studentships: 7 available for October 2016 start. Deadline for application 29th January

Details of how to apply here >>>>

The University is pleased to announce seven PhD studentships available for October 2016 start. These are available for highly qualified applicants for research within the Faculties of Science, Life Sciences and Arts, Humanities and Social Science.5383

What is available? 

One full ‘prize’ studentship offering:

  • a subsistence grant (stipend) to match the 2015/16 UK Research Council rate (£14,057)
  • tuition fees at the International rate
  • a £1,000 p.a. training and development allowance

Six fees-only studentships, each one offering:

  • tuition fees at the International rate
  • a £1,000 p.a. training and development allowance

All awards are for up to three years in duration.

Research themes

The full ‘prize’ studentship is available for research in any area within the Faculties listed above.

The six fees-only studentships can only be awarded to those applicants whose proposed research falls within one of the following themes:

  • Environment
  • Food
  • Health
  • Prosperity & Resilience
  • Heritage & Creativity

Please note that these themes are intended to be broadly interpreted across subject areas.

Eligibility

Funding is only open to international (non-EU) candidates. You will be required to meet the language requirements specified by your department upon entry.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is Friday 29th January 2016

Details of how to apply here >>>>