Computing Science Teacher Insight Opportunity

Inspire young people to change the world with technology!

Computing Science: Volunteer Teacher Insight Register

Are you an college student, undergraduate or industry professional with a Computing Science related degree?

Building on the success of our pilot, STACS is inviting you to register for a voluntary, short-term teacher insight placement. This is a unique opportunity to step into a school environment, shadow a Computing Science specialist, and see firsthand how rewarding a career in the classroom can be.

Whether you are already considering a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or are simply curious about how your tech skills could inspire the next generation, this initiative is designed to give you a positive experience and insight into what a career of a Computing Science teacher is like.

Why join the register?

  • Gain Essential Experience: Universities offering the PGDE expect applicants to have recent school experience; this placement helps you meet that requirement.

  • Future-Proof Your Career: Determine if Computing Science teaching is your next big step by speaking directly with practicing teachers.

Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid observation opportunity. By joining our register, you will be notified as soon as a potential match in your area becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. This is a voluntary (unpaid) observational visit. You are there to shadow a qualified teacher, not to lead lessons, provide classroom support, or take on teaching duties.

  • Visits are short-term, typically lasting one or two days. The exact duration and timing are determined by the host school’s availability and capacity.

  • Yes. All Scottish universities offering a PGDE in Computing Science expect applicants to have gained relevant experience in a school setting prior to applying. This initiative is specifically designed to help you secure that experience and strengthen your application.

  • The goal is to provide a positive and realistic insight into life as a Computing Science teacher.

    You will:

    • Observe how the Computing Science classes being delivered to different age groups.

    • Have the chance to ask teachers about their career path and daily responsibilities.

    The visit is designed to help you determine whether Computing Science teaching is the right career for you.

  • No. Placements depend on the availability of participating schools and your location. We will do our best to facilitate a suitable introduction, but we cannot guarantee a placement. We act as the bridge to facilitate the introduction, but the final visit depends on school availability.

  • Based on guidance from Disclosure Scotland, short, fully supervised observational visits of this nature are unlikely to require PVG membership.

    However, safeguarding procedures are determined by each host school or local authority. If PVG membership is required, the school will advise you directly. STACS does not arrange PVG checks.

  • No. You will remain under the supervision of a qualified teacher at all times.

  • Once STACS makes the initial introduction, you and the school contact will liaise directly to agree on dates. Please note that travel expenses are not covered as this is a voluntary initiative.

If you have any further questions before registering, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can email us directly at support@stacs.scot