The Artisan Teacher
The Artisan Teacher Programme is designed to support teachers in their third, fourth, and fifth years of teaching.
It builds on the Early Career Framework (ECF), focusing on refining teaching practice, strengthening subject expertise, and preparing participants for subject leadership. Created by the Venn Academies Trust, it aligns with the trust’s commitment to high-quality education and inclusive practices.
Further information
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Programme Overview
The programme supports teachers by:
- Enhancing adaptive teaching skills to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
- Strengthening subject and curriculum knowledge for high-quality teaching.
- Promoting effective classroom management to ensure progress for all learners.
- Preparing participants for subject leadership and contributions to School Development Plans
- (SDPs).
- Encouraging a positive classroom culture that motivates pupils and removes barriers to learning.
Programme Structure
Year 3 – Developing Expertise
The three-year programme is tailored to help teachers grow from skilled practitioners to emerging leaders:
- Build foundational leadership skills and deepen subject knowledge.
- Develop adaptive teaching strategies and strengthen classroom management.
- Begin taking on subject leadership responsibilities, focusing on action planning and pupil progress.
Programme Structure
Year 4 – Embedding Expertise
- Strengthen leadership skills, including monitoring and feedback.
- Deepen understanding of SEND, with strategies for supporting pupils with ASD and ADHD.
- Develop collaborative approaches, such as lesson study and small-scale research projects.
- Develop subject-specific expertise to lead impactful curriculum initiatives across the school.
Programme Structure
Year 5 – Enhancing Expertise
- Master adaptive teaching tailored to diverse needs.
- Mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and contribute to whole-school improvement initiatives.
- Develop subject-specific expertise to lead impactful curriculum initiatives across the school.
Key Features & Programme Benefits
- Adaptive Teaching: Focuses on responding to pupil strengths and needs, including SEND and EAL.
- Practical Learning: Tasks include lesson transcription, data analysis, and leadership planning.
- Leadership Preparation: Supports teachers in mentoring others and leading strategic initiatives.
- Inclusive Practices: Aligned with the trust’s mission to remove learning barriers and foster equity.
The Artisan Teacher Programme provides a structured pathway for teachers to develop advanced teaching expertise and leadership skills. It supports career progression while ensuring participants make meaningful contributions to their schools. The programme also acts as a foundation for further development opportunities, such as the Venn Aspirant Leadership Programme.
“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“Highly effective and passionate leaders, from in school and the trust, work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make very strong progress from their varied starting points.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
“Pupils love learning at this school. Each morning, friendly staff greet children at the door with big smiles. This creates a welcoming and positive environment for all pupils.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”