Citizenship teachers – Different types, different needs

This article outlines the diverse nature of Citizenship Education provision in England and identifies some problems arising from such diversity in relation to the initial and continued professional development of pre-service and in-service teachers. It goes on to outline some of the variety of academic background among teachers of Citizenship Education and some of the challenges that arise for both specialist and non-specialist citizenship teachers in addressing divergent and complex modes of subject provision. Differences in school provision, teacher background and attitude(s) to the subject require sensitivity in the construction and delivery of programmes intended to enhance teacher confidence and competence in Citizenship Education. A typology of the ‘8 Cs’ of citizenship teachers is identified and discussed, outlining the range of needs and attitudes among specialist and non-specialist teachers of Citizenship Education, and some recommendations are offered regarding how these can be approached.