Will it be compulsory for teachers to do a masters degree?
No. It will be entirely up to individual teachers to decide whether to undertake a masters-level course. In the long-term, the government’s ambition is for teaching to become a masters-level profession. This will help ensure that teachers are delivering the very best teaching and learning to children and young people, further boost the status of the teaching profession and bring us into line with the highest performing education systems in the world.
What makes the MTL different from a traditional masters programme?
The MTL combines the academic rigour of a traditional masters degree with hands-on, classroom-based learning. It is focused on children and young people and on applying evidence and educational theory to real-life situations. The programme is flexible and can be personalised to reflect both individual and school priorities.
If I change job before I finish my MTL, can I carry on with the programme?
Yes, you should be able to continue with your studies if you are moving to a maintained school in England. If you are applying for a new job, it’s worth letting the school know as soon as possible that you’re studying for the MTL. They may not have any participating teachers and will need time to find out about the programme and recruit a school-based coach.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. The MTL is fully funded and there are no hidden costs either for schools or individual participants.
Will the MTL involve NQTs spending much time out of the classroom?
Given the flexible nature of the programme, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. The expectation is that the programme will be largely classroom-based, but there will also be opportunities for participants to meet each other and access some learning outside the classroom.
Why is the MTL currently only available to some teachers in the north west and in schools receiving National Challenge funding?
The MTL is initially being targeted at NQTs and those taking on new responsibilities because evidence shows that the early years of a teacher’s career can be particularly challenging. Many teachers feel they would benefit from extra support at this time. The government’s strategy for school improvement includes prioritising the development of teachers working in the most challenging schools. This is why the MTL is being offered to NQTs in schools that are receiving National Challenge funding and in the north west, which has a high proportion of NQTs recruited to National Challenge schools. Overall, the north west trains more teachers and recruits more NQTs than any other region.
Are there any plans to make the MTL available to more experienced teachers and to teachers working in other parts of the country?
At this stage, we don’t know for certain what the future arrangements for the MTL will be. But the government’s ambition is for teaching to become a masters-level profession, and our hope is to be able to make the MTL more widely available.
How long will it take to complete the MTL?
For most participants, the MTL will take three years to complete.
Can teachers with an MTL expect to earn more?
There is no direct link between the MTL and pay and progression decisions, and teachers will not be penalised for not having a masters-level qualification. But teachers with an MTL will be well placed to demonstrate professional standards at a higher level when applying to cross the threshold or be assessed as an excellent or advanced skills teacher.