From Aspiring Educator to Qualified Teacher: A Roadmap to Teaching Success

Do you dream of becoming a school teacher but don’t know where to start? Well, rTriibe have put this guide to together to help you decide what route is best for you.  

If you are thinking about pursuing a career in primary or secondary education then the following information will help you. 

1. Obtain a degree: You’ll need a degree to become a teacher. Most aspiring teachers choose to pursue a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a degree in a relevant subject such as English, Mathematics, or Science (if you are wanting to become a secondary teacher you will need to know what subject you want to specialise in). Ensure that the degree program you choose is recognised by the UK government and meets the requirements for teacher training. 
2.  Gain experience working with children: It’s valuable to gain experience working with children before applying for teacher training programs. Consider volunteering or working in schools, nurseries, summer camps, or other educational settings to develop your understanding of child development and classroom dynamics. 
3. Meet the entry requirements: Different teacher training programs have varying entry requirements. Typically, you’ll need to meet the following criteria: 
   • GCSEs (or equivalent) with at least grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics, and Science. 
   • For degree holders, a 2:2 or higher is generally required. Some programs may accept a 3rd class honours degree, but it’s advisable to aim for a higher classification. 
   • Non-degree holders may be required to take an equivalency test or complete a subject knowledge enhancement course. 

Choose a teacher training route: 

1.  Bachelor of Education (BEd): If you’re starting your degree, you can choose a BEd program that integrates teacher training into the course. 
2.  Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): If you already have a degree, you can pursue a PGCE, which is a one-year teacher training program. 
3.  School Direct: This route allows you to train in a school while working alongside experienced teachers. It can lead to a PGCE or a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 
4.  Teach First: This program is a two-year leadership development program that places graduates in challenging schools. It leads to a PGCE and QTS. 

Next steps: 

1. Apply for teacher training programs: Research the different training programs and their application deadlines. You can apply through the UCAS Teacher Training website (www.ucas.com). Prepare your application, including a personal statement and references, and submit it before the deadline. 
2.  Complete teacher training: Once accepted into a teacher training program, you’ll undergo training that combines theoretical learning with practical classroom experience. You’ll develop teaching skills, learn about the national curriculum, and gain hands-on experience in different schools. 
3.  Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): QTS is the professional accreditation required to become a qualified teacher in the UK. It is typically awarded at the end of your teacher training program or upon successful completion of an assessment period if you are on a school-based training route. 
4.  Job search and employment: After gaining QTS, you can start applying for teaching positions. rTriibe are always available to help you with your job search.  

What if you would like to become an SEN teacher?, Well the route into this is very similar but rTriibe have identified the following areas that are slightly different from working in primary and secondary schools to help you with this.  

1.  Obtain a degree: You’ll need a degree to become an SEN teacher. Most aspiring teachers choose to pursue a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a degree in a relevant subject such as Special Educational Needs, Education Studies, or Psychology. Ensure that the degree program you choose is recognised by the UK government and meets the requirements for teacher training. 
2. Gain experience working with individuals with special educational needs: It’s essential to have experience working with individuals with special educational needs to develop an understanding of their needs and effective teaching strategies. Consider volunteering or working in schools, educational institutions, or organizations that support individuals with SEN. 

Remember to stay updated with any changes to the requirements and procedures by visiting official government websites or contacting relevant educational authorities in the UK. Additionally, consider pursuing further professional development and training in specific areas of SEN to enhance your expertise and career opportunities. 

You may be a trained teacher outside of the UK and are wondering how can you gain Teacher Status in the UK? rTriibe have collected the following to help you navigate your way forward with this.  

If you’re an overseas trained teacher and you want to become a teacher in the UK, you’ll need to follow certain steps and meet specific requirements. Here’s a guide to help you: 

1. Check your qualifications: Verify if your teaching qualifications are recognized in the UK. Contact the UK’s National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC https://www.ecctis.com/ ) to obtain a statement of comparability, which will confirm the level of your qualifications in relation to UK standards. 
2. English language proficiency: Demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). You’ll need to achieve the required scores set by the UK government and the specific teacher training program you intend to pursue. 
3. Gain a work visa: Ensure that you have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are not a citizen of the UK or a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you’ll typically need to secure a work visa. Check the UK government’s official immigration website (www.gov.uk) for the most up-to-date information on work visas for teachers. 
4. Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): QTS is the professional accreditation required to become a qualified teacher in the UK. Depending on your qualifications and experience. There are a few different routes you can take to gain QTS as an overseas trained teacher: 
5. Assessment Only Route: If you have substantial teaching experience and can demonstrate that you meet the required standards, you can apply for the Assessment Only route. This involves an assessment process to determine your eligibility for QTS without the need for further training. 
6. Overseas Trained Teacher Program (OTT): Some universities and teacher training providers offer OTT programs specifically designed for overseas trained teachers. These programs provide a combination of training, mentorship, and classroom experience to help you meet the requirements for QTS. 
7. School Direct (Salaried) Route: If you secure a teaching position in a school, you may be able to gain QTS through the School Direct (Salaried) route. This involves training while working as an unqualified teacher, with your school providing support and mentorship. 
8. Apply for teacher training programs: Research teacher training programs that accept overseas trained teachers and meet the entry requirements. Apply through the UCAS Teacher Training website (www.ucas.com) or directly to the training providers. Prepare your application, including a personal statement and references, and submit it before the deadline. 
9. Complete teacher training: Once accepted into a teacher training program, you’ll undergo training that combines theoretical learning with practical classroom experience. The program will help you develop the necessary teaching skills, familiarize you with the UK curriculum and educational policies, and provide support for your transition into the UK education system. 

Job search and employment: After gaining QTS, you can start applying for teaching positions in UK schools and rTriibe are happy to help you with this job search as we have established relationships with hundreds of schools and is growing by the day! 

Remember to stay updated with any changes to the requirements and procedures by visiting official government websites or contacting relevant educational authorities in the UK, click here for more information 

If you’re a Further Education (FE) trained teacher and want to work in secondary schools in the UK, there are steps you can take to transition to that sector. Here’s a guide to help you: 

1. Assess your qualifications and experience: Evaluate your qualifications and teaching experience to determine their relevance and suitability for the secondary school sector. Consider the subjects you’re qualified to teach and whether you have experience teaching the appropriate age range. 
2. Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Qualified Teacher Status is the professional accreditation required to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales. As an FE trained teacher, you may need to gain QTS to be considered for secondary school teaching positions. There are a few pathways you can pursue to achieve this: 
3. School Direct (Salaried) Route: If you secure a teaching position in a secondary school, you may be able to gain QTS through the School Direct (Salaried) route. This involves training while working as an unqualified teacher, with the school providing support and mentorship. 
4. Assessment Only Route: If you have substantial teaching experience and can demonstrate that you meet the required standards, you can apply for the Assessment Only route. This involves an assessment process to determine your eligibility for QTS without the need for further training. 
5. Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses: If you have a desire to teach a subject for which you do not have specific qualifications or experience, you may need to undertake a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. SKE courses help to improve your subject knowledge in a specific area, enabling you to teach it effectively at a secondary school level. 
6. Gain relevant experience: Seek opportunities to gain experience in secondary school settings. This can include volunteering, part-time teaching roles, or securing a position as a cover supervisor. Building experience in the secondary school environment will enhance your understanding of the age group and curriculum expectations. 
7. Update your CV and application materials: Tailor your CV and application materials to highlight your relevant teaching experience, subject knowledge, and transferable skills for the secondary school sector. Emphasise your ability to work with secondary-age students, your familiarity with the secondary curriculum, and any professional development you have undertaken to enhance your skills in this area. 
8. Professional development: Consider undertaking additional professional development courses or qualifications that are valued in secondary schools. This could include training in specific teaching methodologies, safeguarding, behaviour management, or other areas that will enhance your skills and knowledge in the secondary school context. 

Remember that requirements and processes may vary, so it’s important to research and stay updated with any changes by visiting official government websites or contacting educational authorities in the UK. Additionally, seek guidance from organisations that specialise in supporting teachers in their career transitions such as https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/your-career/qtls.