Lecturer in Initial Teacher Training and Education

At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.

We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.

Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.

Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.

About the discipline

Secondary and Post-14 and FES Initial Teacher Training Education (ITTE) at the University of Derby equips future educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in diverse teaching environments. Our programmes are designed for those preparing to teach across secondary schools and Post-14 FES training settings, combining academic study with extensive placement opportunities. We have close partnerships with local, regional and national colleges that form part of our Delivery Partner family for the QTS programmes. 

Our international reach is growing through a substantial portfolio of programmes - both for ITT/E and for continuing professional development for qualified teachers, globally. We are very much one ITT/E team and so work across age phases is not uncommon, particularly for Assessment Only, L6 Teacher Apprenticeships and the PGCE (non-QTS).

Our home trainees on this programme, specialise in subject areas relevant to secondary education while also developing broader teaching skills that enable them to engage, inspire, and support learners in a wide variety of educational contexts beyond compulsory schooling.

We expect excellence in all we do and are currently graded as Ofsted 'outstanding' in every age phase of ITT/E. 

The main purpose of this role is to support the programme leader for the Secondary PGCE with QTS (Provider-Led, School-Based) in the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the programme across the academic year.

Working closely with all seven Delivery Partners, you will ensure that the high-quality enactment of our curriculum leads to positive outcomes for the pupils in those schools we serve. You will be central to the training and development of our beginning teachers as they move through the programme.

Robust monitoring and evaluation processes underpin our quality assurance practices, and so you will be instrumental in making sure that the programme delivery and trainee experience are consistently high. Highly effective relationships with our school-based partners are key to our success, and so strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of each setting are fundamental to the role.

This is a school-based programme and so a good amount of your teaching will also include working on the PGCE (non-QTS) programme with our SCITT partners. As such, secure levels of digital pedagogy are required.

Please note this is a part time role of 0.5FTE per week; exact working pattern to be discussed at interview.

As a highly experienced, secondary qualified teacher and/or leader, you will bring a strong understanding of contemporary challenges faced by teachers, leaders and learners in schools. Using your excellent knowledge of the educational landscape alongside your understanding of the requirements of ITT/E, you will be proactive, professional and personable. You will have the ability to contribute to and lead within a dynamic and fast-paced working environment to ensure positive outcomes for all.

You will be an excellent relationship builder and collaborator, able to establish positive and productive relationships with both students and colleagues, as well as external partners and stakeholders. You will work confidently across teams and organisations, communicating effectively and contributing positively to a collaborative culture.

You will also demonstrate strong digital capability and aptitude, with practical experience of using technology and digital applications to enhance teaching, learning and student outcomes. You will be confident in identifying and implementing innovative digital approaches that support engagement, improve learning experiences and enable effective practice across the organisation.

Learning / Teaching

1. Effectively teach and facilitate learning on a range of subjects / modules within the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
2. Ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
3. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University and Ofsted.
4. Participate effectively in the assessment process, including the setting, marking and moderation of student work, providing constructive feedback and ensuring it is in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
5. Participate in the continuing review and development of module/programme delivery, incorporating innovative study modes, learning environments and pedagogic practices to engage and stimulate students, deliver effective learning outcomes and develop the skills and attributes of the ‘Derby Graduate’.
6. Take on relevant module leader and/or programme leader responsibilities, including associated marketing, recruitment, delivery and ongoing programme development activities.

Research / Scholarship

1. Engage in individual research and collaborate both internally and externally on research projects that are consistent with the College, and contribute to influencing leading edge practice in the University and contribution to the REF.
2. Sustain and enhance the reputation of the University by publishing in appropriate quality journals and presenting at scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences and other similar events.
3. Develop and maintain contacts and relationship with relevant professional, research and industrial organisations.
4. Contribute to writing bids for externally funded research projects.

Other

1. Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate.
2. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
3. Support marketing and student recruitment activities as required.
4. Develop external links in order, for example, to support student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income or build relationships for future activities.
5. Be responsible for administrative duties in areas such as admissions, timetabling, examinations and assessment of progress and student attendance.
6. Contribute to effective cross College / University working.
7. Observe and implement University policies and procedures.