AST Networking

The Advanced Skills Teachers National Network has recently moved to a new National College platform to make networking and collaborating much simpler and quicker. It has many useful features including the ability to share documents and send email alerts. Here's how to find it - you can go straight to (C) if you already have a NCSL username and password.

A. Membership: to set up a username and password (if you don't already have one with NCSL)
1.    Navigate to www.nationalcollege.org.uk
2.    Click 'Sign in' on the top right hand corner of the screen
3.    Then click on to 'Activate your membership' - fill in the form and choose an easy to remember case sensitive username and password.  You will be sent a confirmation email, and can then sign in.

B. Personalising Your Profile
1.    From My College, click on the 'My personal profile' link
2.    Click on 'Edit your profile'
About me: mention that you are an AST Coordinator Profile picture: add a photo by clicking on 'Browse'

C. Reaching the AST Network
Once you have a user name and password just use the shortcut address: https://network.nationalcollege.org.uk/groups/221 Click 'Join this group' (top green button on the right). 
The AST Network has four sections. Items are being added all the time but at the moment this is what's there:

1.    Notices - a place to share news and gain information about AST conferences, national consultations, job adverts, etc. I've negotiated a 50% reduction on Teachingtimes magazines and journals.
2.    Discussions - where you can ask questions and discuss issues.
3.    Resources - LA AST coordinators info and contact list (let me know if any amendments are needed); contact list of 2400+ ASTs (again let me know if changes are needed); professional development opportunities; pay scales; materials for outreach; summaries of latest research, policy and other documents.
4.    Members - links to the profiles of all members of this network.

You might want to join or tell others about the related groups:

. Advanced Skills Teachers (group 181) - prospective, which has links and advice on the application and assessment process

. Challenging Schools Network (group 211), which is supported by ASTs

Do let other ASTs know about the network. AST National Network Registration and Login Guide Apr 2010

If you would like to join the AST network, please download the  NCSL Setup & Login flyer. You can then use the link below to log-in quickly to the AST Network.

The AST Network is facilitated on our behalf by Sara Bubb who can support you in getting the most out of the site.
If you are having difficulty logging in or setting yourself up on the system, please contact the NCSL helpline - 0845 609 0009. 
Email Sara if you have any comments or ideas.

https://network.nationalcollege.org.uk/groups/22