With British Science Week reaching its conclusion, prospective
STEM teachers are being urged to explore the range of incentives
available in Wales as applications are currently open.
A number of incentives have proven successful over recent years
as a means of matching individuals with the desire and ability to
excel in the classroom with areas of greatest need.
The Welsh Government is offering up to £25,000 across three
incentives to people who want to become teachers:
- The Priority Subject Incentive Scheme: £15,000 for people
with a specialism in a subject most needed in the secondary
teaching workforce.
- Iaith Athrawon Yfory: £5,000 to teach secondary subjects
through the medium of Welsh.
- The Ethnic Minority Incentive Scheme: up to £5,000 for
eligible people to ensure the education workforce reflects Wales’
diversity.
The Priority Subject Incentive Scheme is available to those who
hold a degree qualification of 2:2 or higher in one of the
following subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Design & Technology
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Physics
- Welsh
Santhi Dosanjh teaches biology through the medium of Welsh at
Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur. She has found teaching to be a rewarding
career and enjoys supporting secondary school pupils as they make
decisions for their future. Speaking about why she enjoys
teaching, she said:
“I think that age group really needs someone to guide them
through. I remember when I was in school, I needed someone to
guide me through, not just what career I was going into or
directing me into certain subjects, but life skills.
“Don’t overthink it, it’s the type of job where you’re constantly
learning and developing. If you are a science student and you
want a rewarding career, you should consider teaching. Every day
is different and every day you could be the one positive thing
that child needs that day.”
Andrew Evans teaches physics through the medium of Welsh at Ysgol
Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd. After studying at university in
England, he worked as a surveyor for three years before making
the change. He took lessons to improve his written Welsh and
found his standard of Welsh improved very quickly.
Speaking about why he chose to teach in Welsh, Andrew Evans said:
“Science is an international language. No matter where you are in
the world, you’re dealing with the same laws and problems. Welsh,
just like any other language, gives you that opening to study
this subject.
“I was inspired to become a physics teacher because it was my
favourite subject at school. I also had a good teacher, he
inspired me. When I became a teacher, there was only one choice
of subject.
“I’m very passionate about teaching physics. As I keep telling my
students, physics explains everything, the whole universe, from
the very smallest atoms.
“As long as you enjoy working with people, then it’s a very
rewarding profession.”
More information is available
here for people who are thinking about starting their
teaching career.
Qualified teachers in Wales have starting salary of over £30,000
and applications for all three incentives are open now. ITE
Partnerships have more information and support on eligibility for
these incentives, prospective students should contact them.
