Anyone in our region who is orientating on a switch to education can count on the help of the intake broker of Education Region Hollands Noorden. With 34 years of experience in secondary education, Roswitha Fens knows well what the job entails and what steps are needed to get from orientation to a realistic choice.
In the past six months, Roswitha spoke to over 100 potential lateral entrants. They are a wide range of interested parties. ‘From people from the care sector who want to teach at the mbo to professionals with a hbo degree who are considering maths or economics in the vo. During the interviews, I provide insight into the different routes to becoming a teacher or other teaching position, provide personal advice based on backgrounds and ambition, and refer to information sessions where useful or necessary.’
Concrete and practical
Roswitha helps mainly by making the process clear. She comes up with questions and also adjusts expectations. ‘In this orientation phase, I explicitly communicate that working in education is broader than subject content. Preparation, meetings, switching between groups, dealing with pupils who are not always motivated, it's all part of it. I therefore encourage interested parties to spend one or more days in education; it helps to get an honest picture.’ Of the more than 100 people she has now spoken to, more than 20 candidates have found a place within the education region. There is also a group who continue to shape the transition on their own. Results that speak for themselves!
Information meetings
Potential lateral entrants can also visit one of the information meetings in our region for targeted information. On 12 November, the Talland College in Zaandam hosted the first information evening of Education Region Hollands Noorden. An inspiring event with more than 40 interested parties who were introduced to stories from their experiences and learned about the different routes towards becoming a teacher. ‘I have now had a personal conversation with more than a third of the participants. There is a lot of enthusiasm! Two more information evenings are planned in the coming months. At 13 January in Hoorn and on 16 February in Alkmaar. For promotion, we sent posters to all schools in our region.’
‘In March, we are organising a two-day training -one in mbo and one in vo- for people who are serious about looking further. The training is intended for candidates who may be suitable for a lateral entry or PDG pathway. In doing so, we also pay attention to motivation to work in shortage subjects. There are 24 spots available.’
For education professionals in the region, the intake broker is an important link. Roswitha is someone who thinks along, organises questions and helps candidates on their way to a realistic and well-founded decision. Anyone who knows interested parties considering the switch can feel free to refer them.