Teaching Jobs

What does a Teacher do?

Being a Teacher is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling and yet challenging careers on offer. Your role is essential because of the impact you can have on the lives of students that you teach. You can train to teach primary or secondary children and your role will vary accordingly.

Primary School Teachers teach children aged 3-11 years, covering pre-school, reception and Key Stages 1 and 2. You train to teach the full range of National Curriculum subjects, including Welsh if you are training to teach in Wales. Usually you will take one class through the whole year. As your career progresses there is scope for you to take responsibility for a subject or pastoral area.

Secondary School Teachers usually teach children from 11-16+ years. You can train to teach your choice of one or more of the National Curriculum subjects, or one of the vocational subjects on offer. You will usually be expected to take responsibility for a tutor group or form class, and may be required to teach PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and some aspects of Careers Education to this group. As your career progresses you may take on responsibility for part or whole of a subject or pastoral area.

Would Teaching be right for me?

Becoming a Teacher is not a decision to be made lightly. It's essential that you evaluate the role and see whether this is in fact the job for you.

Volunteering or applying for paid work as a Classroom Assistant is an excellent way to get a taste of life in the classroom. You will get a realistic picture of the rewards and challenges the job offers. Alternatively, you may be able to attend an open day or complete a programme of structured observation at a local school. It's also possible to attend a three day Teacher Training Agency (TTA) taster course which includes guidance from a local Teacher-Training provider and at least one day of structured observation in a school. Be aware that a Teacher's working hours are often very long. You will ordinarily be required to attend evening meetings after school at least once a week. Although non-contact time is built into a Secondary School Teacher's day, you will need to take much of your marking home to complete in the evenings, at weekends and during holiday time.

What qualifications or training will I need?

You will need GCSEs (or Standard equivalents) at grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics.

Before you receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you need to complete a course known as Initial Teacher Training (ITT). During your course you will spend a minimum of 18 weeks in at least two schools completing a programme of observation and supervised teaching. You will develop skills in planning and preparation, behaviour management, setting learning objectives and assessment.

There are several options available:

As an undergraduate you can choose from a range of full- and part-time courses in Primary or Secondary Education. You study for your degree at the same time as training to be a Teacher.

As a postgraduate you can study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary or Secondary Education.

Alternatively you may choose an employment-based route, where you train to teach whilst working in a school. As an undergraduate with at least two years' higher education you can follow the Registered Teacher Programme. Graduates may choose to follow the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP).

Finally, if you already have classroom experience, you have the option to follow an assessment-only route to QTS.

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is available from at least 130 providers in England and Wales, ranging from large universities to groups of schools providing School Centred ITT (SCITT). For full details, visit the Teacher Training Agency's website, www.teach.gov.uk

Do I have the right skills?

As a Teacher you must love to learn and be ready to search constantly for answers to questions, both your own and your students'. You need a high level of patience and tolerance toward others and a good sense of humour, as well as imagination and creativity.

You also need excellent verbal and writing skills as well as expertise in your chosen subject area, if appropriate. You should be able to give clear instructions which others can easily follow, and of course be highly organised. Previous experience of working with children will also give you a real advantage.

What can I earn?

There are now substantial bursaries available for Trainee Teachers and, for Teachers qualifying in certain subjects, generous 'golden hellos' when you start your first job. The salary you earn will depend on your qualifications, job description, the area and school you are teaching in. A qualified teacher can expect to start on around £19,000 - £22,000. At present, pay for Teachers in state schools is reviewed and raised every year dependent on satisfactory performance, meaning your salary can increase steadily as you gain experience and expertise. There is also scope to take on extra responsibilities, for which you will be paid according to a scale set nationally. Teachers with sufficient experience are currently entitled to apply for increased performance-related pay.

Where should I look for a Teaching job?

The Times Educational Supplement (TES) comes out every Friday and lists jobs for all areas of teaching. TES Jobs is also available online: http://www.tesjobs.co.uk/