As National Careers Week draws to a close, many people across the country may be thinking about the next steps in their career journey. Whether you are currently studying and considering your options or contemplating a career change later in life, working within education could be the perfect choice to ensure that job satisfaction that we are all striving for.
Why teaching or lecturing?
Teaching or working in FE is one of the most rewarding careers that anybody can embark on. The feeling of helping somebody to reach that ‘lightbulb moment’ where things suddenly click into place cannot be beaten. Sure, it has its challenges, and it is not for the faint-hearted, however being a teacher or lecturer is one of the most exciting, varied and interesting careers you can possibly have. No day is the same – you can use your creativity and sense of imagination to dream up new and engaging ways to deliver the learning objectives; you find ways to adapt your teaching to suit the various and ever-changing needs of your students and you even manage to have a bit of fun with them along the way. On top of that, there are many opportunities for career progression from the outset and a clear career path to follow, with the opportunity to climb the ladder as much as you would like to. Continuous professional development is a huge part of school life, so you constantly feel like you are developing your skills and improving your practice – teachers are often known as lifelong learners, after all. All this, alongside: better job security than other sectors, the chance to work internationally and the opportunity to have a positive influence on numerous young lives.
How do I get into the education sector?
There are various routes into teaching or lecturing, so it’s easy to choose the option that best fits your circumstances. If you don’t have a degree, you can study for an undergraduate teaching degree, whilst those with a degree have the option to complete a postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE), take on a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship or undertake school-centred teacher training through a SCITT provider. Some find that it is beneficial to work as a teaching assistant, or other support staff, in a school then take the assessment-only route to qualified teacher status (QTS) once they feel they have enough experience to meet all the necessary teaching standards. Get Into Teaching has more information about how to decide which route is right for you, as well as information about funding and salaries.
There is also the option to gain qualified teacher learning and skills (QTLS) status by taking a Diploma in Education and Training. This allows you to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector, for post-16 education and training.
What if I am changing career?
Teaching or lecturing is the perfect option for those who have decided that they need a new challenge in their work life and want to make a valuable contribution to society. Skills and expertise gained from years in other professions often prove to be transferable to teaching, and pupils can sometimes benefit from being taught by teachers who have more life experience in general, with increased resilience and exposure to a range of different situations. NowTeach has supported many career-changers to become successful teachers, by providing advice on how to apply for initial training as well as the chance to attend events and join a network of those changing career to make a step into the education sector.
What else can I do with my qualification?
In addition to teaching in schools and colleges, qualified teacher status can open up a world of opportunities. Those who have QTS often go on to become private tutors (like those in our very own Education Boutique), youth workers and education officers in museums and galleries. Teachers can work overseas in a range of different types of schools, allowing them to experience different cultures and see the world whilst earning a decent wage. Some teachers find that supply teaching is the most suitable option for them, as it offers more flexibility than a permanent role.
Those with QTLS can also work as tutors, work-based training providers, prison educators, apprenticeship trainers or adult community education providers.
With so many options at your fingertips, teaching is a career choice that has many benefits.
About the author
Emma Johnston
After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.
