Introduction
Most schools are funded through local government or are grant
maintained. There are currently over 470,000 teachers working in
schools run by local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales.
They teach around seven million pupils in approximately 27,500
secondary and primary schools. A teacher's main aim is to build a
relationship with pupils that brings out the best in them and makes
them receptive to ideas and knowledge.
Work Environment
Most teachers work in classrooms, but they may teach in workshops,
laboratories, and gyms. They are on their feet all day and may have
to move around the school to teach in different classrooms.
Teachers may work outside or away from the school when involved in
walks, games and playground duty, school trips, outings etc. There
are different types of school of varying sizes, from large
comprehensive to village schools.
Daily Activities
There will always be a need for good, committed teaching for it
carries with it enormous responsibilities, both in its daily work
and its implications for future generations. In addition to special
subject knowledge, teaching calls particularly for the ability to
motivate and harness the energies and ability of young people.
Broadly speaking, primary teaching covers the age range five to
eleven and teachers in this field need to be good all-rounders.
They generally have responsibility for one class and are expected
to teach all aspects of the National Curriculum. Secondary school
teachers are subject specialists and will teach this to different
classes - probably across the age and ability range between 11
years and 16/18 years. Teachers also have a pastoral or
caring role, guiding pupils and advising them on personal problems.
Year or form tutors have special responsibility for promoting
pupil's spiritual and social development on such matters as drugs,
bullying and truancy.
Skills & Interests
Teachers must like and respect young people, and want to help them
realise their full potential. They must be able to build good
relationships with a wide range of people, i.e. pupils, fellow
teachers, parents, governors, etc. Teachers need detailed knowledge
of and enthusiasm for their subjects. They also need to be
excellent communicators, good listeners and patient. The work can
often be demanding but very rewarding when pupils grasp new ideas
and perform to their full potential. An ability to relate well with
young people from different backgrounds and varying ability, and to
gain their trust and respect are also essential to the effective
teacher.
Entry Requirements
All state primary and secondary school teachers must have
qualified teacher status (QTS) and have GCSE (grades A-C), or
equivalent, in English and Maths. All entrants to courses for
primary teaching born after 1 September 1979 must have a science
subject at GCSE (grade A-C). QTS can be gained by either a
three or a four-year degree course such as the Bachelor of
Education (BEd) or subject degree with QTS (BA or BSc with QTS.
Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs (grades A-C) including
English and Maths or equivalent, plus two subjects at A-level or
equivalent (eg a BTEC National Award, Advanced GNVQs or Access
courses). BEd two-year courses in certain subjects at secondary
level are available to mature applicants with appropriate technical
or professional qualifications (eg BTEC HND) and relevant
experience. Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses
require a degree and GCSEs (grades A-B) in English language and
maths, or equivalent.
Full-time courses last one year and can be completed in an
institution/school partnership or through School Centred Initial
Teaching Training (SCITT). There are some two-year, full-time PGCE
conversion courses for graduates who wish to teach a secondary
subject which is not the main subject of their first degree.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Qualified teachers can apply to work anywhere in the UK. Promotion
usually, but not always, requires moving to different schools.
Teachers in maths, science, music, modern languages, design and
technology and IT are in demand in secondary schools. In Wales the
ability to speak the Welsh language is an advantage, and Welsh
language teachers are in high demand.
Further Information & Services
All local education authorities.
Teacher Training & Education in Wales www.teachertrainingcymru.org
General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk
Graduate Teacher Training Registry www.gttr.ac.uk
Education jobs www.eteach.com
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers
in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/