Education & Teaching Jobs | Jobs & Careers

"It is a luxury to learn; but the luxury of learning is not to be compared with the luxury of teaching".
R.D. Hitchcock

For those wishing to indulge in the "luxury" of teaching, the first step is to plan for the best way to achieve your qualified teacher status (QTS). Holders of this status can teach throughout state-maintained schools across England and Wales. It means completing a programme of initial teacher training (ITT). This is a combination of theoretical learning with 18 weeks+ spent practising teaching in schools. ITT helps develop the skills needed to become an effective teacher and achieve QTS. Initial Teacher Training provides options to suit everyone, regardless of qualifications, experience, preferences or personal circumstances.

The following are some of the numerous different ways into teaching:

UNDERGRADUATE OPTIONS

Train to be a teacher while completing a degree:
Bachelor of Education (BEd) courses.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BSc) with QTS courses.

POSTGRADUATE OPTIONS

Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
A PGCE course focuses solely on developing teaching skills, so excellent subject knowledge (usually to degree level) is required before training commences. If the degree subject does not link closely to the subject to be taught, the ability to gain a place on an ITT programme may be improved by following a pre-training course. Additionally, at least a grade C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent) is required. For primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), a grade C in a GCSE science subject is a prerequisite. Courses last for one year full-time or up to two years part-time, and are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. PGCE study via flexible distance learning, or in a school by completing a programme of school centred initial teacher training (SCITT) may also be possible.

The majority of PGCE applications are made through the Graduate teacher-training registry (GUTTER)For secondary courses, applications to up to four different providers can be made, in order of preference (two for primary courses). If unsuccessful with the first choice, the application will be passed on to the second, and so on. GUTTER accepts applications from mid-September to June, for courses starting the following September or October. Courses in Primary Teaching, PE and History are very popular, and there is considerable competition for places. To ensure consideration by the first choice ITT provider, apply before the end of November in the year before.

School-centred initial teacher training
Graduates wishing to complete training in a school environment, would do well to consider school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT). SCITT programmes are designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges. Taught by experienced teachers and tailored towards local teaching needs, all SCITT courses lead to qualified teacher status (QTS). Many will also award the postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) validated by a higher education institution. Those preferring to spend more time training in the classroom, putting theory into practice, and gaining confidence through increased contact with the school environment, will find a SCITT programme an excellent option.

These courses are one academic year running from September to June. There are consortia of schools and colleges running SCITT courses all over England. These groups provide all kinds of SCITT, covering primary, middle years and secondary subjects. There are currently no SCITTs running solely within Wales. However, some consortia run on the English / Welsh border and use Welsh schools as part of their programmes. The base is usually one school from the consortium the 'lead school' while completing teaching practices at others within the group. Prerequisite qualifications, bursaries and application timings are as for PGCEs.

Teach First
Teach First is an independent programme, enabling top graduates to spend two years working in challenging secondary schools in London, Manchester and the Midlands. This enables qualification as a teacher while completing leadership training and work experience. Working with specially selected schools and businesses, Teach First aims to build the leaders of the future by providing high quality teacher and leadership training, coaching and networking. It is for high-flying graduates who may not otherwise have considered teaching or aren't sure of it as a long-term career. It leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) but also provides the potential to develop a commercially oriented career. Teach First takes two years to complete. It is not available at primary level.

In addition to the training salary from the school, Teach First will pay for food and accommodation during the Summer Training Institute. Salary is Point 3 on the unqualified teaching scale during the first year, and normal NQT salary during the second year on the programme. Assistance to access any other financial support available in making the transition to teaching is also provided.

Teach First only accept applications through the online form available on its website: http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a challenging daylong assessment at a centre in London. Teach First is a demanding two-year programme and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Ensure that it is the correct option before you apply. There are two closing dates for applications; the first in December and the second in June.

LOOKING FOR A JOB

Local Education Authorities (LEAs)
School vacancies are often advertised by the LEA in which they're available. Search for a local education authority (LEA) by region. Many LEAs also have dedicated staff to support teacher recruitment, and often provide additional support, advice and opportunities for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) seeking their first post.

The Internet
Increasingly, teaching jobs either are advertised online, on specialist recruitment websites or dedicated sections of the major recruitment sites. Links to teaching and education recruitment websites on the Teachernet site, offer online advice and job application tools.

Local and national press
Jobs can be found in the national press - useful titles include the Times Educational Supplement (published Fridays), the Independent (published Thursdays), and the Guardian's Education section (published Tuesdays). Some schools will also advertise locally, so check your local press.

Schools
Many NQTs take up their first position in one of the schools they were placed in during their initial teacher training.
Schools often provide advice to newly qualified teachers and may put you in touch with other possible employers, or keep you on file for future opportunities.

In conclusion,

"Teaching is one of the most crucial, responsible and important professionssince it consists of communicating knowledge and guiding the intellectual development of men. The objective purpose of teaching is the spread and communication of the right ideas, of intellectual values, which means: the creation of a culture."

Ayn Rand