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RECOGNISING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE: an invitation to
apply to become a Chartered Science Teacher
This article appeared in the ASE journal Education in Science,
April 2006
Science teaching is a demanding and complex process. Skilled
science teachers, knowledgeable in pedagogy, science education
and science deserve professional recognition. The ASE has
worked in collaboration with the Science Council to create
a mechanism which recognises and celebrates high quality science
teachers and science education professionals through the award
of Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) status.
The introduction of the CSciTeach designation provides for
the first time an opportunity for individuals to gain an award
which accredits and values their all round expertise in science
education and their commitment to updating the knowledge,
skills and understanding they require. CSciTeach, as our current
President, Professor Sir Gareth Roberts, noted:
"… will provide science teachers, working in
a wide range of settings, with a professional status recognising
and rewarding their high quality expertise which is in turn
underpinned by a commitment to CPD. Ultimately the main beneficiaries,
however, will be our pupils and students." (Education
in Science Feb 2005)
What is CSciTeach?
CSciTeach, or Chartered Science Teacher, is a chartered designation
in line with other awards, such as Chartered Scientist, Chartered
Engineer, Chartered Accountant or Chartered Surveyor, that
recognises the professional standing of an individual working
in that field. The awards are made under powers granted by
the Privy Council to particular organisations and incorporated
in their Royal Charters. As a chartered designation CSciTeach
recognises the unique and demanding combination of skills,
knowledge, understanding and expertise that are required by
individuals involved in practicing and advancing science teaching
and learning.
Chartered Science Teachers, therefore, are professionals,
teachers and educators, who are practicing and/or advancing
science teaching and learning and for whom knowledge and skills
in pedagogy, science education and science are essential elements
in their role. They will have a critical awareness of current
issues which is informed by developments in educational practice,
pedagogy and scientific endeavour.
Who awards CSciTeach?
ASE awards CSciTeach. Under the terms of its Royal Charter,
ASE, as a licensed body of the Science Council, is empowered
to award CSciTeach to individuals who meet the requirements
and to maintain a register of holders of the designation.
This register in turn is a special section of the register
of Chartered Scientists (CSci) which underpins the quality
and equivalence of the awards. In other words it means that
CSciTeach will be widely accepted alongside other chartered
qualifications.
What are the benefits of CSciTeach?
As CSciTeach is in its infancy the benefits relate mainly
to raising the overall profile of science teaching and learning
and, for individuals, to providing recognition of their expertise
and commitment. In time, as with other chartered designations,
it is hoped that CSciTeach will provide access to more tangible
benefits and rewards. Currently CSciTeach aims to:
promote high quality science teaching and learning;
recognise high and improving professional expertise;
reflect best effective practice in science education;
provide evidence of a commitment to continuing professional
development.
Download The full article from Education in Science, April
2006 (4 Pages) 55kb
The further details for the Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach)
are contained in a number of files.
The next “soft” closing dates for applications are 1st November 2009 & 26th February 2010. The Registration Board meet next on 3rd December 2009 & 31st March 2010.
These have been prepared as a "Applicants Information
Pack" as a pdf file containing the following separate
files:
CST2 CSciTeach General Requirements
CST3 CSciTeach Application Form
CST4 CSciTeach Information for applicants
CST7 CSciTeach Appeals Procedure: registration
CST8 CSciTeach Code of Conduct and Practice
CST9 CSciTeach Disciplinary Procedures
CST10 CSciTeach Appeals Procedure: disciplinary (total of
43 pages)
All Documents are current as of March 2009
Download the full application pack as a pdf file (43pages) Full
application pack
Download an Application form as Word file (CST 3 CSciTeach
only) Application
form
A "Supporters Information Pack" is also available
as a pdf file, as follows:
CST2 CSciTeach General Requirements
CST3 CSciTeach Application Form
CST4 CSciTeach Information for applicants
CST5 CSciTeach Supporter information
Download the supporters
Info Pack
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