Becoming a teacher in England typically involves the following steps:
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Obtain the required qualifications: To become a teacher in England, you will need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in a subject related to the age group and subject you want to teach. You will also need to have a GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (and Science if you want to teach primary school).
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Choose a teaching route: There are several routes you can take to become a teacher in England, including:
- Undergraduate degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Postgraduate degree with QTS
- School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)
- Teach First programme
- Assessment Only route (for experienced teachers)
Research the different routes to see which one is best suited for you.
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Gain experience: Schools and teaching institutions look for candidates with teaching experience, so it's a good idea to gain experience by working as a teaching assistant, volunteering at a school, or tutoring.
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Apply for teacher training: Once you have decided on a teaching route, you can apply for teacher training through UCAS Teacher Training or directly to a training provider. You will need to provide your qualifications, work experience, and a personal statement.
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Attend interviews and assessments: If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview and possibly an assessment day, where you will be observed teaching a class.
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Complete teacher training: Once accepted onto a teacher training programme, you will receive training and guidance on teaching methods, classroom management, and curriculum planning. You will also gain practical teaching experience through placements in schools.
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Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Upon completing your teacher training, you will need to pass the QTS standards to become a qualified teacher.
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Apply for teaching positions: Once you have obtained QTS, you can apply for teaching positions at schools or educational institutions.
Remember that becoming a teacher requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for teaching. It may take several years to become a qualified teacher, but with persistence and commitment, you can achieve your goal.