Have you considered these routes into teaching?

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question we’re asked a lot as children, but in later life, how often do we revisit what we truly want to do for work? With the start of a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the paths we’ve taken and setting resolutions to create a brighter future. If you’ve found yourself yearning for a career that’s meaningful and fulfilling, teaching could be the transformative resolution you’ve been searching for – and it’s more accessible than you might think. 

A career in teaching is not just for those who planned it from day one. Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone changing careers, or even a school staff member looking to step up, there’s a route designed for you. 

What qualifications do I need to teach? 

To teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools, you will need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This can be gained through teacher training. 

To begin teacher training in England, you will need: 

1. GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and mathematics, and science if you want to teach in primary schools.  

2. A bachelor’s degree in any subject. 

If you don’t have a degree, you can train to be a teacher as part of your bachelor’s degree and gain QTS simultaneously. Alternatively, if you’re looking to teach secondary mathematics, you may be eligible for the new teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA). 

Do I need a PGCE to teach? 

Whilst a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) isn’t necessary to teach in England, it can provide a deeper understanding of teaching practices, educational research and theory. It’s also an internationally recognized qualification, making it beneficial if you want to teach abroad. 

‘Try Before you Train’ with Internships 

If you’re currently studying for an undergraduate or master’s degree and are thinking about teaching, internships can be a brilliant way to test the waters. With Harris Institute, you can undertake a three-week program which provides you with experience in the classroom. What’s more, you’ll get paid for your time whilst you shadow experienced teachers and receive one-to-one guidance on how to refine your skills. 

This route is ideal for students studying degrees related to high-demand subjects like physics, chemistry, math, computing and modern languages.

Become a Teaching Assistant 

Classroom experience will set you apart in a competitive market. By working in education as a teaching assistant (TA), you will be supporting young people in the classroom and getting regular exposure to quality teaching practices from an experienced educator. 

Most schools require you to hold a GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above in English and mathematics to be a teaching assistant, but if you don’t have these qualifications, that doesn’t mean that the door is closed. Undertaking a teaching assistant apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to complete functional skills, which can bridge the gap to getting you into the classroom.  

Teacher Training 

There are several routes into teaching, it can become hard to keep track of the options. We’ve broken down the key routes to securing classroom experience, and formal qualified teacher status, below. 

 

Take the first step 

If your resolution this year is to explore a new career, make your first step an email to Harris Institute to enquire about our teaching internships, our postgraduate teaching apprenticeship or our ITE training. 

If you would like to explore teaching assistant opportunities within the federation, we have a variety of permanent and fixed-term vacancies available. 

Whatever your background, a career in teaching can be an incredibly rewarding path. Why not take the leap today?