Teaching as a career

The job role

Qualified Teachers work in primary schools and secondary schools teaching children aged between 5 and 11 years and 11 and 16 or 19 years respectively.  While primary school Teachers will mainly be required to teach across the National Curriculum, secondary school Teachers specialise in one or two subjects taught to all ages and in preparation for GCSE, AS and A Level examinations.

Teachers have full responsibility for planning their lessons, producing learning materials, setting tests and marking completed assignments.  They are also accountable for the well-being of their students and for ensuring their academic development.

Relevant qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is achieved upon completion of Initial Teacher Training (IIT) and a Bachelor of Education degree; through completion of any degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE); or via a limited place on the Graduate Teacher or Registered Teacher Programmes.  Skills tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT are also required.

Skills requirements

A strong personality is required in the teaching profession particularly when dealing with challenging behaviour in the classroom and when trying to maintain discipline.  The ability to communicate effectively is important when dealing with fellow teachers, school governors, school inspectors, parents and other child welfare professionals.  Teachers must also demonstrate a willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities and professional training.

Career development

Teachers can work in public, private or state schools, colleges and academies, and in secondary schools can aim for promotion to Head of Year or Head of Department.  Deputy and Head Teacher positions are also available to those with the required experience in both primary and secondary schools.  Those with knowledge of foreign languages can obtain postings overseas while others my wish to focus their career on students with special educational needs (SEN).

Teaching can be both challenging and rewarding but it is not considered to be particularly well paid.  However, this is something that has been improved upon in recent years.