Becoming a Teacher
Teaching is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers you can choose, but the path to get there involves planning, commitment and hard work. There are also a number of different routes you can go down to get where you want to be, which can add to the complexity of the process and even make it daunting.
Even still, the payoff from teaching far outways the work it takes to get there! You get to have a hands-on positive impact on the development of a child’s life, teaching them the skills and experience to take them further in life. No two days will ever be the same in teaching either, making for a career that not only promises maximum fulfilment, but one that is exciting and stimulating.
If this sounds like the career for you but you don’t have a degree, we’ve produced this educational guide to advise you on the other options that are available. We’ll cover training programmes, necessary qualifications and funding routes, ensuring that you feel supported as you begin your career in teaching.
Teacher Training Programmes & Qualifications
We understand that it can be confusing to know what teaching qualification or course is right for you. Since everyone’s individual situations are different, there are a range of ways to get into teaching and it can be quite overwhelming to many. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common qualifications that you might find when looking to start your career in teaching:
Degree Level Qualification – An undergraduate degree or equivalent level qualification is required to obtain a QTS qualification. You are in a great position if you already have an undergraduate degree, but if you don’t then there are still a number of options available. Whilst you don’t need a degree qualification in the subject you are teaching, it will certainly help to boost your chances of getting a job and will mean you have an interest in what you teach.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Qualified Teacher Training is the qualification you need to become a teacher in the vast majority of schools in England. Many schools legally require this – known as maintained schools – whilst many will only consider it desirable. LTF Recruitment have partnered with the Flying High Trust to provide a full teacher training programme graded as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED. This programme will run between September and July every year and you will acquire full qualified teacher status at the end.
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) – This is a term used to describe a course that gives you a full teaching qualification in the UK. There are many different routes you can take depending on the style or circumstance that is right for you. For example, some ITT’s will require you to have an undergraduate degree to start, whereas others will help you gain an undergraduate degree if you haven’t already.
GCSE’s – Primary schools require you to have an English, Maths and Science GCSE, whereas a secondary school will only require English and Maths. For both, you will be required to have a C or higher.
Post Graduate Degree in Education (PGCE) – This is an academic qualification that is taken if you already have an undergraduate level qualification. Whilst you do not require one to become a teacher in the UK, it will give you a much better understanding of teaching practices and learning theory. You can choose to get your PGCE in primary education, secondary education or further education.
Routes to Becoming a Teacher
With so many qualifications available to become a teacher, it’s no surprise that there is also an extensive range of routes you can take. The main qualification you will need is a QTS, as most schools in the UK will require you to have one to teach. Private schools are technically allowed to hire a candidate without a QTS, although this is highly unlikely.
If you already have an undergraduate degree of some kind that isn’t teaching-related, a great option is to complete a Post Graduate Degree in Education. This qualification offers a hands-on approach to teaching and will involve at least 24 weeks of placement.
If you don’t have an undergraduate degree, there are still a number of options available to you. Acquiring an undergraduate qualification doesn’t mean you need to go to university for 3 years; you could choose to study as you work for example. A good option might be taking up a foundation degree on a part-time basis over a period that suits you, then working as a teaching assistant in the meantime to gain valuable experience.
You could then choose to take up an honours degree whilst working to get the full qualification. Alternatively, if you have the time you could undertake the full honours degree, either over a 3 or 2 year period depending on the course.
Teacher Training Programmes With LTF Recruitment
LTF Recruitment offer a range of teacher training programmes to ensure that you get the qualifications you need to start your career in teaching. Our partnership with the Flying High Trust enables access to a teaching programme that will award you with qualified teacher status by the end of one academic year.
We also have a range of educational resources on our LTF Learning Hub – simply create an account and choose the course that’s right for you. Alternatively, contact a member of our dedicated team today to discuss the next steps that are right for you. Visit our contact page or phone us directly on 020 7993 2461 (London) or 0115 7866 244 (East Midlands).