Teaching the next generation - Institute of Physics looking for new recruits

If you are an engineering graduate and have an interest in teaching physics to future potential engineers a new training course may help you to re-train as a teacher.

They say teaching can be one of the most exciting and rewarding job industries to be involved in. As you have the opportunity of being able to guide the next generation of young learners through their personal development and onto potentially great achievements.

As an engineering graduate, if the idea of teaching physics to future potential engineers appeals to you, then you will be delighted to hear that it’s now even easier to make the move into teaching.

A brand new teacher training course has been designed with engineers in mind, which combines teaching physics with maths. The Physics with Maths PGCE, which is available at over 30 universities nationwide, is a natural course for engineers who have a sound understanding of both subject disciplines. The course has also been welcomed by schools that seek expertise in both subjects.

An Institution Young Member who regularly volunteers in schools to enthuse physics students about engineering careers, said: “When talking to young students or children about engineering, there’s something about the spark and enthusiasm that is impossible to miss. They love to explore how the maths and physics they learn at school is applied in a real-world engineering context, and they are wonderfully receptive to a teacher who can help them to make those connections. Of all the classes I’ve spoken to during educational outreach days, no two lessons have been the same and we have never managed more than 15 minutes without sharing a laugh! It’s about inspiring the next generation of physicists and engineers and whilst it may be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

To make your transition into teaching even easier the Institute of Physics, in partnership with the government, is awarding IOP Teacher Training Scholarships. These are to attract the very best people into a PCGE course in Physics or Physics with Maths.

To be part of this exciting adventure you will need to demonstrate a depth of understanding of basic physics and have the qualities to become a shining star in the world of physics education. In addition to receiving £20,000, each scholar will receive IOP membership, mentoring support and a package of networking opportunities.

If you have not considered a move into teaching before, then this exciting news could open a number of doors for you. Not only are there endless opportunities to be creative and innovative but you will also discover more about the subject and enthuse others to follow in your footsteps. What’s more, there are excellent opportunities for career progression, whether you wish to move into a leadership role or to hone your teaching as an advanced skills teacher.

To find out more about teaching physics, the Physics with Maths PGCE course and the IOP Teacher Training Scholarships go to www.iop.org/teach or email teach@iop.org