ASE on formal teaching qualifications

The ASE is concerned by Michael Gove’s recent announcement that academies will be able to employ people with no formal teaching qualifications.

Academic and industry expertise is a valuable asset and children should be taught by adults who have a deep knowledge of their subject. But, in addition, an understanding of how children learn science and how it can effectively be taught in school laboratories, classrooms and the wider environment is necessary.

Much of science is counter-intuitive and teaching it effectively requires drawing on knowledge of which concepts children find difficult and what their misconceptions are likely to be, as well as an understanding of the accepted scientific explanations.

ASE is also concerned that people without specific training in managing practical science lessons could be employed to teach children in some of our most challenging schools. ASE supports teacher education and the continual professional development of science teachers, including its recognition through Registered Scientist RSci and Chartered Science Teacher CSciTeach status.