The Best Ways to Become a Teacher
So you want to be a teacher. There are many ways to get into this fascinating and rewarding career, but a lot will depend on which area you would like to teach – and the point you are at in your life or current career.
Around nine out of 10 teachers are in full time employment within six months of completing their training. One of the first steps you should take is to approach some local schools, find out if they will let you observe a class or shadow one of their current members of staff. If you are a student, you are allowed to spend 15 days in a classroom and you can find out more information at teach.gov.uk.
Qualifications
In terms of qualifications, the most basic requirements are a C or above in English and maths at GCSE. If you are interested in going into the classroom with children between seven and 14 you will also need a science subject at C or higher.
Although it is a decision that can be made after study, you can directly enter higher education with the aim of becoming a teacher – a Bachelor of Education will usually take four years to complete. Most primary school teachers will take this route. If you are a postgraduate student you should look into a PGCE which can take a year full time or two years part time. This will focus on teaching skills rather than the subject you intend to teach. You may also be in line for a bursary depending on the subject you intend to teach once your training is done.
Career change
If you are already in the midst of a career and fancy a change you can enter a Graduate Teacher Programme. During study you will receive a salary to train and the course will last a year. Another training programme, the Registered Teacher Programme, will take around two years to complete. But you will be on the same salary. These are aimed at those who do not have an higher education qualifications but have some experience of it.
For those who have a degree of 2:1 or higher there are some fast-track training courses dotted around the UK where teachers are needed more urgently than other places.
What it takes
Before you think about qualifications and the career’s logistics, you should be completely certain you have what it takes to become a teacher. To be a great teacher you must have patience and passion. You will be dealing with teenagers and children for long periods of time, many of whom will not be interested in what you have to say or teach.
Do you have the right communication skills? You must be able to listen and speak but also make children feel comfortable in a learning environment. You must be willing to set an example to your pupils and students. It will not be like a university when the majority of people will be there to learn, you will be expected to be a leader and set an example.
This guest blog was contributed by Lesley Sampson a freelance blogger who would suggest that you check out Tate when searching for teaching jobs