A differently imagined margin: Initial Teacher Training and Black and Minority Ethnic groups in the Lifelong Learning Sector in the north of England

Abstract

We look at how marginal education spaces are differently imagined and (re)produced. We trace aspects of learners’ journeys and the different pathways into Initial Teacher Training (ITT) made available through a university and an Adult Education-based networking organisation in the Lifelong Learning Sector (LLS) in England. We focus on urban localities and the venues used to offer and run PTLLS courses aimed at attracting Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) recruits to teaching careers. We compare the profiles of these trainee groups and the effect of the different approaches taken by these organisations. We look at organisational and spatial aspects of training ‘offers’ and provision, the impacts of this on the recruitment of learners and how teaching careers are differently imagined within this marginal space. We conclude with suggestions for altering the discourse used to review and plan the recruitment of BME teacher trainees.