A PLACEMENT IS ....

When an organisation hosts a teacher for a short period of time. 

BENEFITS TO YOUR ORGANISATION

You need to decide what you want from the placement so that your organisation's needs can be built into any programme.  Teachers are very skilled.  Consequently, one important aspect of the placement is that the teacher will make a contribution to your organisation.

For example, past placements have benefited organisations through:

• consultancy
• advice on current issues in education
• written reports
• advice on some aspect of your public/community relations
• views on personnel development and training

Any costs lie only in the time spent planning the programme and in supporting the teacher during the placement period.

TEACHERS GO ON PLACEMENT:

• to raise pupil achievement
• to develop reletant lessons for your people
• to update their skills and knowledge
• to learn more about organisations
• to get involved with local companies
• to promote better understanding between education and organisations
• to develop new management ideas
• to be able to offer informed careers education and guidance
• to prepare young people for the world of work.

PLACEMENT LENGTH

A placement can take place at a time that is best for your organisation, the school and the teacher.  You will want to ensure that the timing of the placement meets your agreed timetable.

The length of a placement is flexible.  It depends on the placement programme your organisation and the teacher have agreed and the period of time for which the teacher can be released. This is typically 1 - 5 days.  These days need not be all in one block and can be spread over a period of time that suits your organisation, the school and the teacher.

DEVISING A PLACEMENT PROGRAMME

The programme you devise for teachers might include:

• a tour of the premises
• meeting key personnel
• shadowing a staff member
• practical 'hands on' activities
• taking part in your organisations training.

AFTER THE PLACEMENT

Schools will expect teachers to put into practice what they have learned in your business.  These may include such areas as:

• classroom teaching/curriculum development
• careers education
• school management.

You should be kept informed of the benefits that have resulted from the placement you helped to make possible, and you may wish to become involved in school visits.