Teacher careers from 118 student

Teacher careers

Becoming a teacher can bring incredible rewards but it's not all about 10 weeks holiday a year and leaving at 3.30. These days there is weekly planning, after school clubs, parent/ teacher associations, governers meetings, displays, fund raising events and of course teaching.

Why be a teacher?

"Simply because it's the best job in the world! You can develop the aspects of the job that are suitable for your abilities. Teaching is generally a vocation (that you want to put something back into the community, rather than a career for money.)

Studying to be a teacher

Generally you'll need a degree and additional teacher training qualifications:

  • A three or four year undergraduate BEd scheme for primary teachers, for people without a degree.
  • Post graduate programmes for people with degrees in a range of subject who want to train as primary or secondary teachers. One year full–time or two years part–time.
  • A flexible route for post graduate primary teachers (new from September 2002). This is a web–based course with placements.
  • A graduate teacher programme, employment based, working in a school during the year–long training.


    What do you study on an education course?

    They are partly campus based and partly placement. Lectures, workshops and seminars in the university and practice out in the classroom, taking advantage of our successful partnership with local schools. There are no traditional exams. Trainees will be assessed right from the beginning and particularly in the placements. But don't think that the course is going to be any easier without a formal examination! People can still fail to demonstrate that they meet the standards required in the classroom. Sometimes, this is because they (or their tutors) realise that the job is not for them. Placements can be harder than exams and revision. You have to reach a performance level and maintain it over a period of time.


    Is teaching for you ?

    The first step is to go out and get some experience in a school! Approach a local school, I am sure that they will very helpful. Tell the head teacher that you are considering an education course and would like to arrange some work experience so that you'll be able to see if you like the working environment. You need a broad education. Maths and English are essential.


    Salaries for teachers

    The starting salary in teaching compares very well with other graduate opportunities. Teaching is the biggest graduate employer in the UK and the current starting salary is £18,558 (or for inner London - £22,059). Teaching is not badly paid. It is true to say that salaries might not compare to a few high flyers in other careers, but an ambitious graduate can be in a post of significant responsibility in a primary or secondary school in five years or even less.

    Below is job information on your chosen career after you get your qualifications. Read up loads before you commit to a new career or job.

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