Guidance on teacher subject specialism training (TSST) courses

Overview

TSST is available for academic year 2018 to 2019 in:

• secondary mathematics
• core maths
• physics
• modern foreign languages (MFL)

The purpose of TSST is to:

• improve the subject knowledge of non-specialist teachers and returning teachers
• increase the number of hours taught in these subjects

The training is free of charge to participants.

Participant eligibility

For the purpose of TSST, non-specialists are teachers who have not undertaken initial teacher training (ITT) in the TSST subject they have applied for.

TSST is specifically for:

• non-specialist teachers who could potentially teach mathematics, physics or MFL in addition to, or as their main subject
• non-specialist teachers who are currently teaching mathematics, physics or MFL (either full-time or in addition to their specialist subject)
• teachers who are looking to return to the profession

In addition to non-specialists and returning teachers, TSST MFL is also for:

• specialist MFL teachers who are not currently teaching MFL and who need refresher training to enable a move back to a MFL role
• specialist MFL teachers who have the capacity to teach a second language in addition to their language specialism
• overseas trained teachers who are resident and eligible to work in England

Additional eligibility

Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) are eligible.

Primary teachers are eligible if they will be teaching year 7 or 8 pupils as part of cross-school key stage 2 and 3 collaboration. For example, in a multi-academy trust (MAT) or if they have firm plans to convert from primary to a secondary teaching post.

Teachers without qualified teacher status (QTS) teaching in academies are eligible.

Those who are members of, and have been awarded qualified teacher learning and skills status (QTLS) by the Society for Education, are eligible if they have firm plans to teach a TSST subject in a school or sixth-form college.

Supply teachers are eligible if they do not have a contract with a school and are committed to returning to a permanent post.

ITT trainees, higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs), teaching assistants (TAs) and other support staff are not eligible to undertake the training.

If you are interested in this training you can find opportunities using the directory below. You can apply directly to the school that is offering training in your local area or that best meets your learning needs.

The majority of courses on offer involve training during term time. If you are a serving teacher, you should discuss with your school before making an application.

If you are a returning teacher, please register with the Department for Education (DfE). Visit Get into Teaching for further information and additional support for teachers returning to the profession.

Apply

Alternative opportunities for teachers and schools

A number of subject associations and professional organisations offer professional development opportunities for teachers, such as the Association for Language Learning who support and represent teachers of all languages in all sectors. Further information about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects can be found in A guide to STEM continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for teachers (PDF, 274KB, 15 pages) .

Many higher education institutes (HEIs) offer subject specific professional development for teachers. Please contact your local HEI for more information.