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A scheme designed to build learning partnerships between museums, archives and bodies that run undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training courses, is open for grant applications.

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) grants programme is a professional development programme, supported by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), that aims to embed the use of museums and archives into the practice of teachers at the beginning of their professional careers.

Based around an audience of children and young people, the scheme is designed so that museum and archive staff can benefit from the ideas and expertise the teachers bring to the projects.

The ITE grants programme is aimed at museums and archives with a strong background in education and those who want to host students and benefit from their expertise. The providers of Initial Teacher Education include universities and school-centred ITE providers (SCITTs).

Expression of Interest forms should be submitted to the MLA by 16 October 2009 and final applications must be submitted by 16 November 2009.

For further information and application packs, please see the link in the right-hand menu or email ite@mla.gov.uk

Here are some comments from previous users of the ITE programme:

“A very mutually beneficial project. From the museum’s point of view, the student made a real contribution that will be used as part of our educational resources.”

Museum participant 2009

”A fantastic opportunity, I feel like I have learnt so much about the museum and what it has to offer. I feel that I now have potential links for the future – and I would love to continue what we have started. Thank you!”

Student participant 2009

Notes to editor

1. The MLA is the government's agency for museums, libraries and archives. Leading strategically, we promote best practice to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all.

related links

• ITE Grant

  The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) grants programme is a scheme designed to build learning partnerships between museums, archives and organisations offering initial teacher education.