Teaching Teachers Profiles Sue Walker became an AST in 2002, having already taught in primary schools. She now works for Croydon's Music Service in a team alongside a Music Adviser and a fellow AST. Her colleagues have responded well to Sue's role, and she is often surprised and pleased by the enthusiasm and admiration she receives from other primary school practitioners. Becoming an AST was an excellent promotion for Sue and she sees the job as a stepping-stone to future advisory work in music education.

Patrick Allen, author of Heinemann's award-winning Singing Matters and its sequel, Developing Singing Matters, has been an AST since 2001. He is currently based at Ifield Community College in Crawley, West Sussex , where his work centres on motivating pupils to succeed through singing and composing. For Patrick, taking on the AST role was a way of achieving career development without losing contact with pupils and music-making. His outreach time is spent locally and, increasingly, on high-profile national projects.

Elaine Levene taught part time in a primary school in Yorkshire before becoming one of two ASTs employed by Education Leeds. She now spends one morning a week in local primary schools working with both pupils and staff. Her job involves developing lessons and resources, advising on equipment and software, running training sessions and helping schools prepare for Ofsted inspections. Although it's hard work, Elaine loves her job. 'If you're thinking about becoming an AST,' she says, 'then go for it. It's a huge challenge, but very rewarding and a great way of developing your own ideas and musical creativity.'

Contacts

If you're thinking about applying to become an Advanced Skills Teacher it's best to start off by speaking to your head. If you work in an LEA school there may be an adviser whose role includes handling AST applications. More information about the AST scheme is also available at www.teachernet.gov.uk or by calling the DfES on 0870 000 2288.