Institute for Ismaili Studies

The IOE is delighted to have entered into a collaboration with the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS). Together, we deliver the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP), a programme for practicing and prospective teachers.

Introducing the STEP programme

STEP's mission is to address the need for professional secondary education teachers by training exceptional graduates to become teachers and mentors who can help to shape and inspire future generations and teach the IIS' Secondary Curriculum to Ismaili students worldwide.

What are the key features of the two Masters degrees? 

The STEP programme extends over two academic years and culminates in two postgraduate awards from the IOE: a Master of Teaching (MTeach) and Master of Arts Education (Muslim Societies and Civilisations). Following completion of the academic programme in London, participants join an in-service secondary teaching phase, employed by their national Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board/Committee (ITREB/C).

It is designed for Ismaili graduates who wish to become teachers primarily within the Ismaili religious education system worldwide. The programme is also open to those already in the teaching profession seeking professional development and opportunities to become teachers within the Ismaili community.

The MTeach provides intellectually challenging and sustained practice-based, in-class and virtual learning opportunities with peers from across disciplines and phases along with experienced tutors from the Institute of Education.

It incorporates the participants' teaching experiences into course design, assessment, and fieldwork around a common vision of accomplished teaching practice. This programme is delivered at the IOE but developed in partnership with the IIS.

The MA Education (Muslim Societies and Civilisations) is structured around a sequence of core modules designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the Ismaili heritage within the broader dimensions of Islam and its civilisations.

It emphasises a teaching and learning stance that prepares participants to understand and respond analytically to relevant scholarship and research, through humanistic, civilisational and normative approaches, in order to facilitate an understanding of the philosophical and pedagogical frameworks and content of Secondary Curriculum developed by The Institute of Ismaili Studies. This programme is delivered by the IIS, but accredited by the IOE.

What are the key outcomes of the programme? 

The educational outcomes of the programme emphasise pedagogical decision-making based on multiple sources of instructional materials, broad subject-matter knowledge, the IIS secondary curriculum framework and content, and field-based training. Through coursework and practicum experiences, participants foster and develop an analytical stance towards research and scholarship in teaching and learning, and have the opportunity to reflect on their role in the process of education.

In addition to traditional essays, course participants will produce portfolios, reflective journals and evidence studies as they develop an increasingly complex understanding and appreciation of their young students. The programme also provides a viable career path in teaching within religious education and secular contexts for those qualified members of the Ismaili community who wish to make a significant contribution to the education of young students.

For further information, please contact IIS Student Services on: step@iis.ac.uk.