A GROUP of Essex schools have launched a campaign to tackle the teacher shortage crisis.

The Professional Learning Network (Pln), a collaboration of more than 30 primary and secondary schools in mid and north Essex, has created the Inspired to Teach campaign.

It aims to highlight the opportunities there are to get into teaching, regardless of age or background.

Director Ann Wilks said: "As long as you have a degree, you can train to become a teacher. Whether you are a new graduate, looking for a career change or returning to work after a career break.

"It is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways and you get to make a real difference to young people’s lives."

As part of the campaign, teachers from six secondary schools, including Notley High School and New Rickstones Academy, have shared their own experiences of how rewarding teaching is on a series of videos.

Holly Sutton, 32, Assistant Headteacher at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, said: “I came here for a day’s work experience and to spend some time shadowing staff members within the school and thankfully I was offered a position here to participate in my teacher training which began the following September.

"Here I am, 10 years later, having had a series of responsibilities, even being given the opportunity to complete my master’s degree, and now I’m looking forward to being part of the senior leadership team.”

Jeanette Hayward, 46, teaches GCSE health and social care and other subjects at New Rickstones Academy in Witham.

She is a former registered nurse who cared for people with learning disabilities and converted her diploma in nursing to a degree in education studies.

She said: “School makes a big impression on youngsters’ lives and I enjoy being a part of that impression; helping children believe in themselves is a privilege. In fact I’d say it’s absolutely magical.”

Pln is holding an information evening at Honywood Community Science School in Coggeshall on Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm.

The evening will provide an opportunity for those interested in becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in mid or north Essex to find out about the opportunities available.

Attendees can speak directly to training providers and current trainees, as well as newly qualified and established teachers.

The session will also include a talk about teacher training and advice on how to apply.

To book a place email directorpln@gmail.com or call 07917734531.

For more information visit prolearnnet.com