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FAQs for Prospective Teachers
Teaching FAQs
Here at World Class Teachers, we aim to make your experience with us as transparent as possible, as well as offer advice on teaching in London from abroad. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions on the teaching role types, types of schools and experience required below.
Teachers
To become a teacher in the UK, you must have a degree and a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). You’ll need to have gained GCSE in English, Maths, and science. A PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) is an additional qualification which covers QTS. PGCE is a beneficial qualification for people wanting to teach abroad in countries such as Scotland and the USA.
Learning by teaching subject to others improves your students’ knowledge. Learning through teaching improves communication skills, efficiency, and confidence. When you use this method for with your students, you’ll find that they gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, while growing new insight and awareness.
Some qualities of a great teacher are:
- Good communication skills
- Good listening skills
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Patience
- Professionalism
- Leadership
- Loves learning
- Warmth & compassion
- Enthusiastic about education
- Innovative
If you’re looking to get into teaching, as a young NQT or a seasoned professional looking for a career change, you should consider these following things:
- Speak to experienced teachers
- Research study/qualification options (QTS, PGCE, GTP, School Direct)
- Get a taste for it (classroom experience)
- Find the right teaching agency for you
- Think about what kind of teachig you want to do (SEN, assistant work, supply, adults, early years)
- Understand tax requirements
- Figure out where you want to teach
Newly qualified teachers tend to start on a salary between £25,000, £30,000, depending on where you teach.
Secondary school teachers tend to earn more than primary school teachers, with their average salary being above £30,000.
Teaching Assistants
The qualification requirements for teaching assistant jobs varies from school to school.
Most commonly, potential teaching assistants need GCSEs grades A*-C including English and Maths.
You can also take a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or any other vocational qualifications. It’ll also work massively in your favour to gain as much classroom experience as you can.
Teaching assistants are incredibly valuable assets in the classroom. They help prep lesson plans, support its delivery, and help students who require extra support reading.
Teaching assistants help grow students’ skills and confidence.
Yes – of course teaching assistants can become fully qualified teachers. In fact, a lot of teaching assistants do go on to become teachers, utilizing the experience and knowledge they gained in the classroom.
It really does depend on the school. Most schools will allow tattoos as long as they are not visible.
Legally speaking, employers can decide whether to hire someone depending on whether or not they have tattoos.
Something smart but comfortable. Where what you feel confident in, as the more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better you teach.
Teaching assistant salaries in the UK start between 16,000-18,000 on average. With more experience and responsibility comes a higher wage. Experienced teaching assistants with more qualifications or specialist skills in SEN teaching tend to earn a higher wage, around £25,000.
Supply Teachers
Supply teachers require the same qualifications as any other teacher. Qualified Teacher Status is essential for a standard supply teacher job, but some jobs such as cover supervisors can gain employment with a degree.
Supply teacher salaries differ from place to place, school to school. Your supply teacher agency will support you in the hiring process. Supply teachers in London tend to earn more, with living costs being higher.
On average, a supply teacher can earn anywhere between £100-£150 per day, depending on your agency’s rates.
A supply teacher has the same responsibilities as a permanent teacher, but covers on a day to day basis. Working on a daily or hourly rate, supply teachers work through an agency to find teaching roles part time.
Supply teachers require the same qualifications as permanent teachers, so an QTS is essential.
Supply teaching, as with everything, comes with its challenges. It can be tiring. Constantly moving and working in new schools can be stressful, but keeps things interesting on a day-to-day basis.
You’ll be working with new students a lot, making building strong relationships with students difficult. However, the demand for supply teachers is constant, so you won’t be finding yourself without work.
Supply teaching is a great way to improve your work-life balance. Popular with more seasoned teachers, supply teaching can refresh your career and open a more exciting door, with a variety of different schools and classrooms to work in.
Have a question?
Feel free to contact us on +44 (0) 208 579 4501 or visit our office in West London!