Teacher’s workplace guide - page 2

10-09-2008 11:27

This doesn’t mean that you’re the classroom entertainer, it’s more about relieving tense classroom situations with a few well-chosen words, thus avoiding further disruption. If you’re witty and flexible enough to roll with what your pupils throw at you (not literally hopefully), then they’ll look forward to your class and you’ll be a happier soul. An effective teacher must have high expectations. Work on an attitude that says that you know students can achieve to your level of expectations, thereby giving them a sense of confidence too.

Don’t be unrealistic though. Expecting primary school students to debate string theory or discuss Blake’s metaphysical imagery will only frustrate them and you. five top tips for being a teaching success. prepare to be poor. check out the job market. have a sense of humour. have high expectations. training.

You will need GCSEs at grade C or above in English language and mathematics. Before you receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you need to complete a course known as Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You’ll have to spend a minimum of 18 weeks in at least two schools completing a programme of observation and supervised teaching.

Depending on where you’re at, there are several options available: As an undergraduate you can choose from a range of full and part-time courses in primary or secondary education. You study for your degree at the same time as training to be a teacher. As a postgraduate you can study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in primary or secondary education. Or You can go for an employment-based route, where you train to teach whilst working in a school. As an undergraduate with at least two years’ higher education you can follow the Registered Teacher Programme. Graduates may choose to follow the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP). Finally, if you already have classroom experience, you have the option to follow an assessment-only route to QTS. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is available from at least 130 providers in England and Wales, ranging from large universities to groups of schools providing School Centred ITT (SCITT). For full details, visit the Teacher Training Agency’s website www.teach.gov.uk