Why become a teacher?
Below is what people have said about entering into teaching:
'Teacher training needs to prepare all trainees for a society where there is diversity.'
'My teachers at school made a real impact on me and my future and I wanted the opportunity to make the same difference.'
'A lot of people said to me that I'd be a good teacher'
'I’d say if it’s what you really want to do then just go for it!'
'The experience is amazing and I have made some wonderful friends'
'Teaching has been an ambition of mine since I was young. I also enjoy working with children and inspiring them to do well'
'I’d always wanted to teach but I didn’t have the relevant maths qualification but as I needed it to start my degree I went to night school and with the help of a brilliant maths teacher gained a grade C. During the course I was surprised at the amount of people who were in the same boat as me and needed the qualification for a teaching degree.'
How do you become a teacher?
As well as needing a degree, you will also have to successfully complete an initial teacher training (ITT) course in order to gain what is known as qualified teacher status (QTS). There are many different types of ITT course – the one you take will depend on:
- the age group and, if you want to teach at secondary level, the subject that you want to teach.
- the level of qualification you already hold
Whatever course you choose, your training will cover the principles of teaching as well as giving you practical experience in the classroom.
Are there any other entry requirements?
In addition to being required to meet the Department for Children, Schools and Families standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children, you will also need, for secondary teacher training, GCSE Maths, English Language at grade C (or equivalent) and, for primary teacher training, GCSE Maths, English Language and Science at grade C (or equivalent).
What happens if you do not have all the GCSEs that you need?
Do not be put off applying to become a teacher.
You may find that the place that you want to train is able to offer tests and even study support in the GCSE subjects that you require.
There are also appropriate courses run by local further education/adult colleges.
Remember to check with the initial teacher training provider you wish to attend regarding tests and relevant courses.
What happens if you do not have a degree?
You can study for a degree, full- or part-time, while training to become a teacher. You will need to apply to a university that offers initial teacher training (ITT).
Courses are available to train to teach at primary and secondary level as well as both primary and secondary and lead to BEd, BA or BSc with QTS. The different universities will offer a different range of initial teacher training courses. You will need to check with the university you are interested in whether they offer a course which is relevant to you.
How do you get onto a degree course?
You will need A levels or their equivalent. The exact results and subjects needed will vary according to the course you wish to follow and the individual university.
Do not worry if you left school without A levels. Many local further education/adult colleges offer an equivalent to A levels known as Access courses.
Always check with the university where you want to study to find out exactly what qualifications are acceptable for entry onto the course in initial teacher training you wish to follow.
What routes into teaching are available to you if you have a degree?
You can do your teacher training
- through a school - school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)
- while employed at a school - graduate teacher programme (GTP)
- through a university: full- or part-time courses
What is school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)?
School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) is a programme for graduates, run by and based in schools. All SCITT courses lead to qualified teacher status and many, but not all, award the postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
What is the graduate teacher programme (GTP)?
The graduate teacher programme (GTP) allows schools to employ graduates and work out an individual training programme for them, leading to qualified teacher status qualified teacher status. You are paid while you train.
What is a full-time university teacher training course?
A university course takes about a year and includes at least 18 weeks in a school for trainees wanting to teach at primary level, or 24 weeks for those wanting to teach at secondary level.
At the end of the course, assuming you meet the standards, you will be awarded qualified teacher status.
The different universities will offer a different range of initial teacher training courses. You will need to check with the university you are interested in whether they offer a course which is relevant to you.
What happens if you cannot train full time?
Whether you are wanting to gain a degree alongside training to be a teacher or you already hold a degree, initial teacher training can be flexible, so you can fit it into your personal schedule – whether that is around a full-time job or childcare, or over several years. You may be able to study in the evenings and at weekends to suit you.
Want to teach secondary? What happens if your degree does not inlcude enough relevant subject knowledge?
If your degree subject is not close enough to the subject you want to teach, you can take additional training before your initial teacher training (ITT).
There are bursaried courses available, which may be relevant to you. They are of differing lengths and in a range of subjects. You may find that your local university offers a course that is appropriate to you. Why not get in contact and find out?
For more information
Visit the TDA website:
www.tda.gov.uk
