Posted in : Focus
Becoming a Teacher
By Content Queen
Mar 10, 2008 - 4:01:19 PM

Why become a teacher?

Becoming a teacher is an increasingly popular career for many kinds of people. It can be very hard work, but working with children can be very rewarding and fulfilling.

How can I become a teacher?

You will need GCSE's or equivalent at grade C or above in English and Maths. If you have already decided to peruse a career in teaching, you will need to start thinking about the next step.

You will need to achieve your initial teacher training which will enable you to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales in order to receive your qualified teacher status.

You will spend a minimum of 18 weeks in at least 2 schools, where you will be observed and supervised teaching. You will learn about planning and preparation, learning objectives behavior management.

Is teaching right for me?

Teaching children is not for everyone. One way to find out if you are suited to life as a teacher would be to visit one of your local schools for the day, and observe teachers as they deliver their lessons.

Just make a list of schools in your area and give them a call - most schools will be happy for you to do this. You could also train to become a classroom assistant, to gain some experience and get a taste of life in the classroom.

What will I teach?

You need to look into the differences between teaching primary school and secondary school children and decided which age range you would like to teach. Primary school teachers work with children aged three to eleven, and teach all the subjects in the national curriculum.

These include Maths, English and Science. Secondary school teacher’s work with children aged between eleven and eighteen and may specialise in one or two subjects in the nation curriculum.

I would like to become a teacher. How much can I expect to earn?

The salary you will earn will depend on your qualifications. A newly qualified teacher will earn a minimum of £19,000, but you could start higher up the scale depending on any previous experience.

You could also take on some extra responsibilities for which you will be paid according to the scale.