Trainee Teacher Package

The Trainee Teacher Package is designed to complement your Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) course if you are undertaking your DDE through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre. From September 2026, this package will be mandatory for DDE learners enrolled through an Approved Dance Centre, providing you with additional ISTD support alongside your centre-based training. 

It brings together professional resources, teaching insight, training opportunities and community connections to link you with ISTD from the very start of your learning journey. The package supports you throughout your qualification and helps you become part of the ISTD teaching community from the earliest stages of your teaching career.  

Who is the Trainee Teacher Package for?

This package applies to: 

• Students working towards the Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre

If you are not yet enrolled on DDE through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre but are interested in becoming a dance teacher, our Education team can help you identify the most suitable route into training. 

What's included? 

Stay connected with the profession

• Free digital access to Dance Magazine 
• Regular trainee-focused communications and updates 
• The latest teaching, syllabus and industry news 
• Updates on qualifications, examinations and professional opportunities 

Access training and professional development 

• 20% discount in the ISTD Shop 
• Preferential member pricing on CPD events and workshops 
• Access to syllabus and non-syllabus training opportunities 
• Invitations to webinars, seminars and learning events 
• Access to a dedicated learning management platform, providing additional teaching insight to support your DDE learning alongside your Approved Dance Centre
• Support to build professional knowledge alongside your qualification

Become part of the ISTD community 

• Connect with fellow trainee teachers across the UK and internationally 
• Access regional and international representative networks 
• Join conversations, seek advice and build professional relationships 
• Begin developing your professional identity within the dance teaching profession 

Exclusive Trainee Teacher benefits 

• Access to DBS services (where applicable) 
• Advertising and classified discounts 
• Access to teaching and career opportunities 
• Member-only resources and updates 

The Teacher Training Package Journey 

The Trainee Teacher Package forms part of the ISTD Trainee Teacher journey. 

Stage 1: Begin your training 

Enrol onto a DDE course through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre and automatically join the Trainee Teacher Package to access ISTD support and resources in one tailored hub from day one. 

Stage 2: Develop your skills 

Build your knowledge through practical training, assessments, CPD opportunities and engagement with the wider ISTD community. 

Stage 3: Achieve your qualification 

Successfully complete your teaching qualification and become eligible to progress to Full Teaching Membership. 

Stage 4: Teach, grow and inspire 

As a Full Teaching Member, continue your professional journey with access to qualifications, CPD, examinations, events and the wider ISTD network. 
 

Eligibility 

The Trainee Teacher Package is specifically for learners undertaking the Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre. From September 2026, it will be mandatory for DDE learners enrolled through an Approved Dance Centre, providing a supporting package that connects them with ISTD from the start of their learning journey. 

• Be enrolled on DDE through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre; and 
• Meet the entry requirements for the Diploma in Dance Education (DDE). 

If you are interested in DDE but are not yet enrolled through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre, please contact education@istd.org to discuss the most suitable route into dance teacher training with the Society.  

Fees