What is the best way to get into teaching?
The best way to get into teaching often depends on your starting point and what age group you would like to teach. If you would like to teach adults and you have no experience at all, then you can start with the BTEC Award in Education & Training. This short 12-week course will provide the foundations for teaching and give a taste of what is required.
During the course, advice will be given on how to move forward and pursue a teaching career. However, if it is pre-school, primary or secondary teaching you are interested in and you do not hold a degree qualification, then the Foundation Degree in Education may be the right route. In order to do the FD in Education, you will need a placement in the educational setting identified, but the teaching staff are happy to advise on this.
Can I become a teacher without a degree?
Yes, you can become a teacher without a degree qualification on our Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training. This course is a full teaching qualification requiring a Level 3 in the subject you are choosing to teach, but otherwise, no degree is needed.
Can I be a teacher without a PGCE?
Yes, you don’t need a PGCE to be a teacher. We offer the Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training, which is a full teaching qualification. You will need a Level 3 in the subject you are choosing to teach but otherwise, no PGCE is needed. The PGCE Level 7 route is available to those that have a degree.
What qualifications do you need to teach?
This will depend on where you are teaching. Some colleges and training providers like teachers to achieve a full teaching qualification but are also willing to support an individual to gain the qualification whilst teaching.
This is how you can progress with Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
- Start with the Level 3 BTEC Award in Education & Training qualification (12 weeks duration)
- Progress to the Level 4 Pearson BTEC Certificate in Education and Training (22 weeks duration)
- Finish on either the Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) or Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (both two years duration)
How much does teacher training cost?
For a full two year part-time programme the total cost is £9000 (£4500 per year) which is supported by a student loan.
What areas in the sector can people go into?
Generally, as a new teacher, you will start by teaching the subject you are most comfortable with. From this point, once you have mastered the subject you teach then you can explore other areas to teach. Some will move into maths and English, as in the Further Education Sector this is a key subject but also you can explore subjects that compliment your core subject.
Kate Hodge Level 4 BTEC Certificate in Education and Training
Kate started on the Level 3 Award in Education & Training, before moving onto the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.
She decided to top up to a full PCGE with another provider which will enable her to teach both at secondary and post-16 level, thanks to the knowledge she acquired at SCG.
She said: “The Level 3 was an introduction to teaching and made me sure it was what I wanted to do. Level 4 took things a lot further and was the perfect spring-board to the PGCE,” she said.
“The courses provided me with good background knowledge which has served me well. I found the courses challenging and really enjoyed them.
“If you haven’t studied academically for a while, the support is absolutely brilliant. Michelle suggested this route to me, and I am so glad she did because I don’t think I would have got onto a PGCE without it and it would have been much harder to achieve without the knowledge I gained from the courses at SCG.”Louise Thomas Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Louise did the Level 3 Award in Education & Training course because teaching had always been a “passion.”
She said: “Before completing the Level 3, I was a self-employed beauty therapist, working around three young children. I chose the correct time to pursue this career and it fitted well into my family life.
“I knew I wanted to be a teacher and the time was right for me and my family to pursue this goal. I then transitioned straight to the Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training, which was a challenge, though the support I received from teachers provided the I tools needed to succeed."
Whilst completing the first year of the Level 5 I had the opportunity to spend one day a week on placement, securing the position as beauty teacher at the end of my first year.
“I completed the second year of the Cert Ed in role, providing an excellent opportunity to use the knowledge gained from my course and leading learners in their chosen course.”
Danielle Hatch PGCE
I decided to do the PGCE, partly because my employer wanted me to and partly to increase my skills and qualifications. Teaching is a way of giving something back and sharing my knowledge with the next generation.
