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Starting a journey to become a teacher comes with a great passion for teaching. Maybe you were inspired by a teacher who made a big difference in your life, or maybe you just love the idea of helping kids learn and grow. Becoming a teacher can be exciting and sometimes challenging, but it’s definitely worth it.
Why Become a Teacher in UK?
As a teacher, you get to make a big difference in students’ lives, inspire a love for learning, and help your community. If you’re thinking about teaching, the UK’s excellent education system and supportive training programmes make it a great place to start your journey.
Things You Need to Consider
Before you begin your journey as a teacher, think about these important things:
- Age Groups – Decide if you want to teach little kids in early years, primary school children, teenagers in secondary school, or older students in further education. Think about which age group you enjoy working with the most.
Nursery and Reception: Ages 3-5 (Early Years Foundation Stage, EYFS)
Stage 1: Years 1 to 2, ages 5-7
Stage 2: Years 3 to 6, ages 7-11
Stage 3: Years 7 to 9, ages 11-14
Stage 4: Years 10 to 11, ages 14-16
Stage 5: Known as College or Sixth Form, Years 12 to 13, ages 16-18
- Subjects to Teach – Identify the subjects you are passionate about and feel confident teaching. Whether it’s math, science, history, or art, pick something you love and can share with enthusiasm.
- Types of Schools – Choose the kind of school you want to work in. There are public schools, private schools, academies, and free schools. Each type has its own unique environment and way of teaching.
- Skills for Teaching – Develop essential skills that will help you be a great teacher. Work on communicating clearly, being patient, staying organised, and using your creativity to make learning fun and engaging.
- Location of Teaching – Think about where you’d like to work. Different parts of the UK have different requirements to become a teacher, so it’s good to check what’s needed where you want to teach.
- Salary – If you love teaching, salary might not be your top concern. But it’s practical to know the pay scale for teachers in the area where you want to teach. This helps you make smart choices about your teaching career.
General Qualifications for Teaching in UK
GCSEs:- Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths.
- Grade 4 (C) or above in science (if you want to teach primary).
- A degree in any subject is required for teaching primary and secondary education.
Pro Advice:
If you don’t have a degree, you can enroll in an undergraduate teacher training course. This way, you’ll earn a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the same time. Learn more about the qualifications you need to become a teacher in UK.
8 Steps to Become a Teacher
1. Reflect on your school life experience. Remember all the fun things you enjoyed at school and why you like helping others learn. This will motivate you to push through your dream teaching career.
2. Review your qualifications. Review your qualifications to make sure you have both the general requirements and those specific to your region. If not, find out how to obtain them.
3. Find ways to pay for training. Look for scholarships or help to pay for your teacher training classes.
4. Choose a teacher training course. Choosing a teacher training course is important because it affects where and how you’ll learn to become a teacher.
If you want to learn more, here’s our ultimate guide to teacher training in UK that you can follow.
5. Sign up and start your training. Sign up for the programme you picked. Pay attention and learn all the things you need to become a great teacher.
6. Apply for jobs as a teacher. Look for jobs teaching at schools and send your application to schools that need teachers.
7. Do well in interviews. Get ready for interviews. Learn about the schools you might work at, practise answering typical questions they might ask, and show how much you love teaching. This will increase your chance of getting hired.
8. Begin your teaching career. Once you find a job, start teaching! Be excited and keep learning more to be the best you can be.
Conclusion
Deciding to become a teacher is important for guiding students toward success in their chosen paths. By following the steps provided, you can succeed in this field. Once you’re ready, you can start looking for jobs and send your CV to UK schools that match your style and personality. Start your career now and make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. Your love for learning and passion for sharing knowledge will help you become a great teacher who inspires students to succeed in school and in life.
If you need help strengthening your CV, here’s a guide to writing a teacher CV that you can use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What skills should a teacher have?
To become an effective teacher, your skills play a crucial role in your success. Your abilities help create a good learning environment where students can do well in their studies and personal growth. These include:
- Communication
- Passion
- Confidence
- Concept explanation
- Patience
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Organisation
- Adaptability
- Conflict resolution
How long does it take to become a teacher?
Becoming a teacher in UK usually means getting a degree in education or a related subject that matches what you want to teach. This takes about 3 to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree. After that, you’d do a one-year teacher training programme like Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). So, in total, it usually takes about 4 to 5 years to become a qualified teacher in UK.
Can I teach without a degree?
To become a teacher in UK, you usually need a degree approved by the Department for Education. However, there are other ways to enter teaching. Jobs in private schools, academies, or early education settings may not require a degree, but having one can help you advance in your career. Another option is the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) qualification, which has been equivalent to QTS since 2012 and provides a different path into teaching without a traditional degree.