Posted on the discussion forum on www.teachingmusic.org.uk today:
"Our PGCE cohort was advised today that all teachers in the UK will be required to have a Masters degree to have QTS in the near future. It was implied that those who do not have a Masters will, as part of CPD, be required to study for one in order to remain teaching unless nearing retirement age. Are there any rumblings in the profession to support this? As PGCE students we are cautious about taking on further workloads this year as well as through the NQT year given the steep learning curve, yet there may not be a more appropriate time to study for the Masters. Any advice?"
Thoughts from colleagues would be much appreciated!
Comments
Should All Teachers Hold a Masters Degree
I am not aware of any such directive at this stage. I think that it is very unlikely that all teachers will be required to hold a Masters Degree. However, there is an expectation that all teachers will undertake continuous professional development (CPD). This is seen as crucial to maintaining an effective contribution to developing and maintaining effective pedagogy and methodology.
You will find that most CPD will be designed around masters level component structures - or at least there is now a rapid move towards this. Our own PGCE course in secondary music at the University of Cumbria is now in the second year of being a masters level award. Most , if not all, Teacher Training at PGCE is now at Masters level. This provides individuals with a collection of components ( plus the CPD award bearing courses at masters level) that will demonstrate that they are working at masters level. This is all that the TDA would be able to achieve and there is much to commend this. There is the additional factor that credits would be accumulated for all Masters Level components - and these would be able to be transferred across to the a Masters Degree ( with some additional components required - linked to CPD). For those who would wish this to be the case, it is a very attractive way of working towards a Masters degree.
There would not be any expectation that NQTs would be required to take on additional workload regarding masters level components. However, you will find that some of your work ( as would be normal and expected through your NQT training year) might have some currency towards a masters level component) This can be no bad thing as it is contributes to your developing professional portfolio.
Hope this of help.
Hugh Smith
Senior Lecturer
University of Cumbria
Faculty of Education
School of Secondary and Post Compulsory Initial Professional Studies
Re Masters Degree
Thanks for this considered reflection, Hugh. This is really helpful. I have passed your comments on to the discussion poster on www.teachingmusic.org.uk
MTL
Although in the DCSF 'being the best for our children" document: http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default...
it does say this, sort of! This what all the MTL hoo-hah is currently about.
Sorry, not a very helpful answer!