Chartered Geographer (Teacher)

Chartered Geographer (Teacher) is available to teachers who can demonstrate competence, experience and professionalism in the use of geographical knowledge or skills in and out of the classroom, and who are committed to maintaining their professional standards through ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).

What are the benefits of becoming a Chartered Geographer (Teacher)?

• Chartered Geographer (Teacher) is relevant to a variety of professional and occupational standards for teachers

• It can support your application for a leadership or Advanced Teacher role

• Shows that you are committed to geography beyond your specific teaching responsibilities by recognising your ongoing contribution to teaching and learning and the wider discipline

• Demonstrates that you wish to maintain your professional standards through continually developing your geographical skills and knowledge

• Enhances your career portfolio and employability

• Provides access to regional continuing professional development (CPD) and mentoring opportunities

• Proves your commitment to the professionalism of the discipline by using CGeog (Teacher) after your name

• As a Chartered Geographer (Teacher) you will be selecting and undertaking your own annual programme of CPD

• Uses a wide range of CPD activities as evidence, including those that you currently undertake such as working with examination boards

• You can, if you wish, become a mentor for teachers thinking of becoming a Chartered Geographer (Teacher) in the future

What are the criteria?

You must demonstrate:

• Honours degree in geography or related subject (60% geography content) or B.Ed with geography (or 15 years teaching experience if no relevant degree is held)

• At least six years teaching experience

• Commitment to CPD, embedding it in your own practice and supporting others

If you are successful in your application for Chartered status you will also become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) if you are not already.

You can use existing documentation to support your application, such as:

• Your Professional Development Record, which can be used as evidence that you are meeting the requirements for CGeog (Teacher)

• Evidence you have collected for performance management

• AST or Geography Quality Mark application

How to apply

You will need to submit:

• Completed and signed CGeog (Teacher) application form

• Curriculum Vitae

• Professional Self Evaluation Report (approx 1,000 words)

• Contact details of two referees

• Supporting documents – optional

• Record of Continuing Professional Development for whole career - recommended

• Application for Fellowship of RGS-IBG (if applicable)

• CGeog (Teacher) application and Fellowship fees

What fees will I need to pay to become a Chartered Geographer (Teacher)?

If you are not already a Fellow of RGS-IBG you will become one at the time of your application. Annual Fellowship of the Society currently costs £110 (2018 price). If you are already a Fellow of RGS-IBG you need only supply the £50 fee to cover your application.

You will need to pay a £50 non-refundable application fee when submitting your forms for Chartered Geographer (Teacher) status. Once you have become a Chartered Geographer (Teacher) you will be asked to pay an annual administration fee of £20 to maintain the accreditation. This fee will be automatically added to your annual Fellowship subscription invoice. Once accredited, the overall cost of maintaining your Chartered Geographer (Teacher) status is £130 per year- around £2.50 per week. This will include your annual Fellowship of the Society.

Do I get any discounts if my school or college is a Schools Member of the RGS-IBG?

If your school is a current Schools Member of the Society and all membership fees are up to date we will waive the £50 application fee for any members of your department who wish to apply for CGeog (Teacher). However these candidates will still need to become Fellows of the Society if they are not already.

When can I apply and how long will it take?

It takes approximately 12 weeks for an initial outcome to be reached depending on the nature of the application. Applications may be submitted at any point throughout the year. Council meeting approvals take place in April, June, September and December.

If you have any questions about Chartered Geographer (Teacher) please contact:

Manager: Educational Professional Support, Education and Outdoor Learning Department, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.  Email: cgeogteacher@rgs.org   Telephone: +44 (0)20 7591 3053