FAQs for the Trainee Teacher Package

All new DDE students enrolling through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre (ADC) will automatically be registered for the Trainee Teacher Package. 
From September 2026, the package becomes compulsory for all new DDE students.  

The package provides tailored support to enhance your development as a trainee teacher, including: 

• Access to ISTD guidance, best‑practice resources and professional standards 
• A trainee teacher community including webinars and peer networks 
• Exclusive CPD discounts (25% off Full Member rates and up to 50% off non-member rates) 
• Affinity partner savings (insurance, business support, dancewear and more) 
• Career development tools and early‑career guidance 
• Updates, newsletters and access to Dance magazine content 
• Opportunities to connect with the Early Career Group 

These benefits complement, not replace, the technical and syllabus training delivered by your ADC. 

When a trainee is registered for the DDE via an ADC, the ISTD will automatically enrol the student into the Trainee Teacher Package. 
There is no additional action required from the ADC or trainee. 

For trainees enrolling through an ISTD Approved Dance Centre, the package is charged at a fixed fee of £99 per student and covers access for the duration of their DDE training (up to five years). 

Yes. Once you have completed your first DDE teaching qualification, you can upgrade to Full Teaching Membership, unlocking: 

• The ability to enter students for ISTD examinations 
• Full CPD access and Member rates 
• Use of the ISTD Registered Teacher logo 
• Voting rights and Faculty involvement 
• Access to the Member Resources Hub 

Trainees gain access to: 

• ISTD guidance on best practice, safeguarding and teacher professionalism 
• Webinars, digital events and community networks 
• CPD discounts and learning opportunities 
• Career tools such as CV support, marketing guidance, and teaching insights 
• Peer support and Early Career Group stories 
• . 

This professional development support complements your ADC’s syllabus and unit delivery

For ADC   - enrolled DDE trainees, the £99 fee covers up to five years of access   - enough time to complete the full qualification. 
 

Yes. Trainee teachers receive: 

• Up to 25% off Full Member CPD rates 
• Access to both in‑person and online CPD 
• Opportunities to broaden their skills (e.g. inclusive practice, syllabus refreshers, trauma‑informed training, community dance)