How To Become A Teacher

"Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions" - Author unknown.

If asked to name the three most influential people in their lives while growing up, most people would name their parents and one more person - their teacher. The teacher is a constant presence through the growing-up years, playing the role of a surrogate parent while teaching students the lessons in the books, and beyond. The person playing the role often changes over the years, but the role never does - nourishing young minds to discover and maximize their potentials. They usually evoke strong reactions - almost every child has a favorite teacher, and a hated one. But once the child grows up to be a successful man/woman, he/she realizes that the very things he/she may have hated may have very well contributed to his/her current state of success.

How can you start on this most rewarding and fulfilling of professions? In order to become a fully qualified teacher in the UK, you're going to have to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) first. To gain QTS you will need to complete a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) this will involve at least 18 weeks practical experience in a school environment. ITT can be performed through a number of options.

To apply to become a teacher, you will need a UK degree (or an equivalent qualification). You must get this first if you want to apply for a postgraduate course of ITT (such as a PGCE, Postgraduate Certificate of Education, or SCITT, School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) or the graduate teacher programme (GTP). However, you can also complete a degree as part of your teacher training via an undergraduate ITT course (such as a BEd or a BA/BSc with QTS) or the registered teacher programme (RTP).

The OTTP (Overseas Trained Teacher Programme) allows teachers from within the EU (and some from outside) to work in the UK whilst training for their QTS. To be accepted on to any course of ITT, you will need GCSEs at grade C or above (or recognised equivalents) in English and mathematics. Additionally, if you were born on or after 1 September 1979, and want to teach primary or Key Stages 2/3 (ages 7-14), you will also need a GCSE at grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in a science subject. If you don't have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your ITT provider.

Teaching is a noble profession, but takes a lot of patience and hard work. Your aforementioned ITT provider may ask to see proof of your continued interest in this field, and that you are committed to a career working with children. In fact, some ITT providers require that all their trainees have some previous school-based experience. To become a successful teacher, besides the formal certificates, you also need excellent verbal and writing skills as well as expertise in your chosen subject area, if appropriate. You should be able to give clear, easy-to-follow instructions, and be highly organised. Previous experience of working with children will make your task much easier.

by: Chris Moresby

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