If are considering teaching as a career, there are several ways of pursuing it with further study if you did not as an undergraduate.
To teach at a state-maintained school in England or Wales, you must achieve qualified teacher status (QTS) which almost always means completing a programme of initial teacher training (ITT). This normally involves a combination of theoretical learning with at least 18 weeks teaching on placements in schools. If you have already for a degree there are several study options:
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
PGCE courses are focused on developing teaching skills, making them an excellent way to study the theory behind teaching and putting it into practice. You must have completed UK undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification the same as, or close to, you chosen subjects otherwise you may have to take a pre-training course to boost your knowledge. Courses take one year full-time or two years part-time, available at universities and colleges throughout the UK.Funding is available for studying PGCEs, as well as incentive payments depending on the subject you intend to teach. The majority of PGCE applications are made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry.
School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)
Graduates who want to train in a school environment can take a SCITT programme which are designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges. They are often tailored to local teaching needs but many will also award you a PGCE on completion. They give you the chance to spend more time in the classroom, making them ideal for building up confidence and experience in your future working environment.
Courses are normally take one year full-time, based at the lead school within a group but including periods of teaching in others. Like the PGCE, you must have a UK undergraduate degree close to your chosen subject otherwise you will have to boost your knowledge with a pre-training course. The funding and application process is the same as that of the PGCE. See the links below for full details.
Teach First
Teach First is an independent programme that invites top graduates to spend two years working in challenging secondary schools in London and Manchester. You will qualify as a teacher as well as completing leadership training and work experience with employers. Teach First is geared towards providing high quality teacher and leadership training, internships, coaching and networking for high-flying graduates who may not otherwise have considered teaching or aren't sure of it as a long-term career. It awards QTS, but also provides the potential to develop a commercially oriented career.
The course takes two years to complete and is only available in secondary schools in London and Manchester. Entry requirements are strict. You must have:
- Minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree related to a natioanl curriculum subject.
- 300 UCAS points, (24 points using old tariff; BBB at A-level).
- Grade C or above in GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English.
- High levels of competency in areas such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, critical thinking, communication skills, initiative and creativity, and respect, humility, and empathy.
You will receive a salary from your school and Teach First will pay for your food and accommodation during a Summer Training Institute. You will receive Point 3 on the unqualified teaching scale during the first year and normal NQT salary during your second year on the programme. It will also help you access any other financial support available to you in making the transition to teaching.It is a demanding course so do some research before you decide to apply directly through Teach First: see the links below.
Other ways to enter teaching
You can also get into teaching through while completing a degree as an undergraduate, in employment or, if you have substantial teaching experience, on a QTS assessment only option. For full details, follow the link to the Training and Development Agency for Schools below.
Links
Full all the details of teacher training, courses and funding available, visit the Training and Development Agency for Schools website. www.tda.gov.uk
To search and apply for PGCE and SCITT courses, visit the Graduate Teacher Training Registry. www.gttr.ac.uk
For information about the Teach First programme, visit www.teachfirst.org.uk