Professionalising the teaching of adult numeracy: are we there yet?

• Main Authors: Fletcher, Steven, Prinn, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Huddersfield Press 2009-06-01
• Series: Teaching in Lifelong Learning: A Journal to Inform and Improve Practice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5920/till.2009.1235

Workforce development in Skills for Life (SfL) has taken on a greater significance since new overarching professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS) were introduced through Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) in September 2007. This article explores the implementation of these reforms from the viewpoint of Adult Numeracy Subject Specialist teachers. A particular consideration throughout is the extent to which the Level 4 Numeracy Subject Specialist qualification offered is suitable preparation for teaching on SfL numeracy programmes at all levels, and whether the newly introduced Level 5 Diploma is a fitting replacement. Data for this article was gathered through discussions with local SfL practitioners of varying experience and expertise. They were asked to share their views on how they entered the sector and the suitability of the training they received. The discussions provided an interesting and rich dialogue and offer a perspective on the work done by the government in trying to professionalise the workforce from several different viewpoints.