Advice on How to Become a Teacher

Anyone can become a teacher if they have the right qualifications but to be a really good teacher and to earn the respect of your pupils takes not only a knowledge of the subject (or subjects) that you teach but also the ability to command your audience and engage them in the subject being taught.

Becoming a Teacher

To become a teacher you first need to have the relevant examinations, which include GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and a degree in a particular discipline. This can be anything from English, Mathematics, the Sciences, Art, there are no limits placed upon the type of degree or the subject it is in.

After this you must take Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which is a one year full time course. If you do not have a degree to begin with you can option for the four year BED (Batchelor of Education) degree or your chosen subject, which must include a study of education.

There are teacher training colleges up and down the country and these are ideal if you wish to take your degree and gain some hands on practical experience along the way. You might also consider some volunteer work as a classroom assistant, which will give you an insight into how classes behave and also gain some practical advice from those teachers already qualified.

Qualities Needed

As we have already mentioned it is not just the qualifications that make a good teacher; there is also the ability to engage your pupils in meaningful and enjoyable discussion and be able to impart information to them in a way which is fun and insightful.

Many teachers over the years have become disillusioned with the teaching profession and not because of the syllabus; there has been a distinct shift in the behaviour of children in education so patience and a level head are also very important.

Taking the time to talk to your pupils is a must; pupils who find that the teachers are simply reading from textbooks or from pre-prepared materials often switch off but will stay focused and attentive if the teacher talks to them as opposed to at them.

Deciding on Age Group

There is – it must be noted – differences between the teaching of primary and secondary school pupils and these changes have come about because of the recent changes in the education reform bill. These changes include the introduction of means testing and key stage syllabuses for children in primary and secondary education so it is important to determine early on – if you can – which group you wish to teach.

Key Stage 1 & 2 is designed for nursery and primary school pupils from the age of three up to 11. Key Stage 3 & 4 is designed for secondary school children from the age of 11 up to leaving school age which can be either 16 or 18 depending on whether pupils have an interest in remaining at school for further education.

Once You're Qualified

In your first year as a teacher – your so called ‘Induction Year – you will undergo a three term assessment. This three term assessment is normally carried out within one school year after which your teacher status will change from NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).

During this time you will be monitored and assisted by an Induction Tutor who will help you formulate development plans and you will be required to enter into formal discussions with the head teacher at the end of each term so that he or she can discuss your progress and perhaps field any questions you might have.

Also during this induction year there is a ten per cent reduction in your school timetable to allow for personal development and the completion of any assignments you are set. Once you have completed your induction year you are then a qualified teacher and can commence teaching full time to your chosen pupil set.

Teaching is a worthwhile and valuable profession in today’s society and as a teacher you are required – not only to teach your pupils their designated subjects – but to also act as their adult mentors during the time they spend in your care at school.

Many pupils look back with fondness at their time at school and have favourite teachers – people who have not simply taught their subject – but who have also made a profound impact on their pupils through skilful and thought provoking teaching.