Education and Training in the UK: How to Start a Teaching Career
Submitted by Andy_B on Thursday, 06 June 2024 Page Views: 176
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Becoming a teacher under the UK education curriculum is one of the most prestigious careers you can ever embark on since the UK education system is accepted and rewarding worldwide. In order to become a part of this leading career requires a rigorous understanding of the education filed, the qualifications and the opportunities available in the UK education sector. So, let's delve into this blog and learn what is needed to begin a career in education and training in the UK, from initial qualifications to professional development.
An Overview of the Education and Training System in the UK
Before kicking off your teaching career in the UK, it is crucial to know about their education system stringently. This knowledge will help you to prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead.The British education system is divided into four prime parts. Those are:
1. Primary Education: Primary education is called the 1st and 2nd key stage, suitable for kids aged 5 to 11 years old.
2. Secondary Education: Secondary education is called 3 and 4 key stages, kids aged 11-16 years are suitable for it.
3. Further Education: Further education is for kids aged 16+ are fall under this criteria.
4. Higher Education: University-level higher education.
Each level of education demands different kinds of skills and qualifications from the suitable and interested teachers willing to serve in this filed.
Step 1: Select Your Interested Level in Education and Training in the UK
At first, you must decide which level of student you are willing to teach. As each level of a student falls different age group, you must find out which age group you are capable of teaching. Along with that, you have to choose your area in connection with your study as well. You will obviously teach the subject that you are good at; what is the meaning of becoming a teacher if you can't teach any specific subject? That's why select you field that suits your interest.
Step 2: Obtain the Necessary Certifications and Degrees
After selecting the interested level of kids you are willing to teach, you have to gain the necessary certificates. Such as:For Primary and Secondary School Teachers:
1. Graduate Degree: You must obtain a degree to teach in the British education system. Qualifications like a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BSc) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or any other degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).2. Postgraduate Qualifications: If your undergraduate degree does not include QTS, you'll need to complete a PGCE or School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) program before getting into the teaching field.
For Further Education Teachers:
1. Earn a Level 3 Qualification: You need a degree or at least a Level 3 qualification in the subject you wish to teach.
2. Further Education Initial Teacher Training: Complete a recognised Further Education initial teacher training course, such as the Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) or PGCE in Further Education.
Step 3: Achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Qualified teacher status or QTS is a legal qualification that is required to teach in English schools. This degree is required to be obtained by teachers in the majority of schools in England. With the obtained QTS qualification, interested individuals can embark on a teaching career in the UK. The Teaching Regulation Agency ( TRA ) are responsible for awarding QTS.Step 4: Apply for Available Teaching Position
Once you gain QTS certification, you can apply for a teacher position in an educational institution in the UK. Once you get into your teaching profession, you have to keep expanding your skills and qualifications since a teaching career requires updated and advanced skills and qualifications all the time.How To Find a Job in the UK Education Institutions?
Once you are ready with all the necessary education and training, you have to find a suitable place where you can begin your teaching career. To do that, you have to follow a few things, such as:● Check Educational Boards: you have to regularly check websites like TES, Eteach, and local government websites to find your preferable job.
● Send an email to the Recruitment Team: To get recruitment attraction, you can send them a cold email, which has been an effective way to get a job in the preferable institutions.
