Teachers taking leave from schools to work with researchers

15 February 2011

Eight teachers from throughout New Zealand have been awarded Science, Mathematics and Technology Teacher Fellowships for the first two terms of 2011.

Under the scheme teachers take leave from their schools to work with researchers at host organisations, gaining experience in research and practise.

The scheme has been operating since 1994, with more than 600 teachers participating in research programmes designed to enhance their knowledge of the subjects they teach.

The scheme is run by the Royal Society of New Zealand and funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The teachers selected come from schools all around New Zealand.

Joanna Leaman, education advisor with the Royal Society of New Zealand, says the aim is to take excellent teachers and to give them up-to-date knowledge and experiences.

“The fellowship experience will help them deliver lessons to students based on real-life situations drawn from the work with their host organisation.”

Host organisations for this group of teachers include the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, The University of Auckland, Department of Conservation, Lincoln University, NIWA, Victoria University, Unison (powerlines company) and Jasmax Ltd (architects).

Successful applicants will have spent many months designing their project and liaising with host organisations. Selection criteria include the calibre of the applicant, the viability of the project and its relevance to their classes when back in school.

ENDS

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