Thinking of changing careers into teaching? Here’s what you need to know

Can you teach a subject you didn’t take your degree in?

Most teacher-training providers like you to have a minimum of 50% of your degree that is relevant to the subject you wish to teach, says Kelly Davey Nicklin, senior lecturer in education at Birmingham City University. She recommends looking into studying for a SKE [Subject Knowledge Enhancement] course.

This is echoed by Catherine Hubbard, senior business manager at Hays Education, who adds that SKE courses are available at universities, schools and through third parties across the UK. “Some can be completed before your teacher training or maybe delivered in parallel with some or all of your teacher training,” she says.

Experts add that it’s worth gaining experience in a school before applying to teach in order to boost confidence prior to training.

Can you still become a teacher if you don’t have a GCSE C or above in maths?

Most training providers will suggest sitting your GCSE maths before applying for a teacher-training course. “You can contact the school or university you’d like to apply to about this as they make the final decision and some schools and universities may offer you the opportunity to sit a GCSE equivalency test,” says Davey Nicklin. “If this choice is not available, you could consider a part-time GCSE or Open Access course.”

What options are there to earn a salary while training to become a teacher?

There’s a variety of ways to ensure your bank balance doesn’t suffer as you undertake your studies.

Nicole Ponsford, founder of TechnoTeachers, a global edtech consultancy, says working directly with a school enables potential teachers to earn a wage and get their qualification at the same time.

Graduates with a 2:1 degree or above can do Teach First over two years, says Brenda Neburagho, deputy headteacher at St Matthew Academy. “This is also salaried. You’re paid as an unqualified teacher for the first year and then as a newly qualified teacher in the second year. You receive leadership development training and have a coach or mentor as part of the programme. Essentially, there’s a six-week training programme over the summer and then you get stuck into teaching.”

If you’re able to teach a shortage subject there are bursaries available of up to £30,000, flags up Dr Steven Chapman, head of physics at Croydon High School. “There are also salaried placements with schools in your area, but these often fill up very fast,” he adds.

Also, if you do choose to study for your PGCE, it’s worth noting that there could be opportunities to take up evening or weekend work and find employment during the holidays.

Are there any opportunities to teach part-time?

Part-time teaching is tricky mainly due to the demand and timetabling, says Ponsford. “If you want to be more attractive to a school, to be able to discuss this, you would need an impressive CV or experience.”

However, some schools might be more flexible. “Most schools will build their curriculum around the needs of the students, so if your needs as a part-time member of staff can fit around that, schools tend to be flexible where possible, explains Neburagho. “You can, of course, ask and the school will let you know whether they can accommodate your request.”

I can’t decide whether to teach in a primary or secondary school – any advice?

Organise work experience in both primary and secondary schools to get a feel for which you prefer. Also, check whether you have the requirements to teach in both of them – to teach in secondary, you must have maths and English GCSE C or above; to teach in primary, you need maths, English and science GCSE C or above.

“You will also need to think about what phase of primary might interest you – EY, KS1 or 2,” says Chapman. “If you are in a primary you will have to teach all kinds of subjects, like maths, literacy and of course science. This might be something you are (or are not) comfortable with. If you work in a secondary school you will have to teach a wide range of ages and abilities and will probably have to teach some biology chemistry and physics.” Before making a decision, Chapman recommends visiting a school and talking to the students and the teachers to see what interests you the most.

There’s so much bad press about teaching. What are the advantages?

Teaching isn’t for the fainthearted but there are plenty of benefits of a career in the classroom. “I went back to teaching because it is the most interesting job I have ever had,” says Chapman who returned to teaching after working as a government research scientist. “No two days are the same and that’s because you are working with people. The interaction between the students and the teacher is constantly evolving and is always entertaining.”

Hubbard agrees: “Teaching can be an extremely rewarding career working with young people who are inspiring and creative, and you could affect their life chances. Every day will be different and it will be a different challenge to your current industry. The skills you have gained from the industry you currently work in will give you life experience which may help you in a teaching career.”

What should I expect from a career in teaching?

It’s a tough gig – and you need to be mentally “on it” everyday; there’s no hiding away behind a computer screen. Chapman says: “Someone once said to me that teaching is not unlike show business, in that you have to perform on demand. The only difference being that you have to do it five times a day not once a night.

“There are no quiet days spent filing or writing reports, so you have to be committed to making a difference for the young people you are working with. Having said that, there is no other job where you can make a such a difference to people’s lives. Seeing a student on results day getting into a university or on to a course reminds you what the job is all about. It’s about improving young people’s life chances.”

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