Advice re becoming a teacher

Cutie_2

Hi Everybody,

I have been reading MSE forums for some time but decided to post a query.

I am an overseas biology graduate and thinking of becoming a teacher in Biology at A levels (science GCSE)

I know about various routes to apply like GTP,PGCE etc but haven't got any experience in teaching. I rang local secondary schools for observerships but no luck.

I was wondering how would I get school experience before applying for teacher training and how different/difficult is it to teach in this country?

Thanks in advance

celyn90

Hi Cutie! :wave: welcome to MSE!

I got my school experience by working as a learning facilitator for a bit in a sixth form college. I also did some interactive lectures at primary schools, popping in for the afternoon and showing some simple experiments.

Have you tried writing to schools rather than phoning them - send a letter saying that you would like a weeks work experience and enclose your CV. That way they have some time to think about your application rather than being put on the spot by a phone call.

It might also be worth looking at volunteering for some work with young people too - maybe something like a youth group or the guide or scout associations as all experince with youngsters will help you application. Likewise don't be afraid to approach primary schools or colleges - might not be the age group you want but anything within the eductaion system will help you.

Good luck, cel x

Cutie_2

Thanks celyn90

Cutie_2

Hi,

Would working as Year leader in a secondary school help?

I have read the job description but would like to know what exactly is this job about practically.

Thanks

pavlovs_dog

if you register yourself with the TDA via their website, they have several schemes available to help you get classroom experience

MoneySaver86_3

You might qualify for this scheme, it is a 15 day paid school placement scheme for people interested in teaching.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/partners/recruiting/careerexploration/studentassociates.aspx

'The student associates scheme places students in schools in England. It supports our purpose to raise children’s standards of achievement and promote their well-being by improving the training and development of the whole school workforce. A key aim is to help students make an informed decision about any subsequent career in teaching.'

nanamoan

Having recently gone through all this myself you will need to note a couple of things

1. you will need GSCE or equivalent English language, maths, science
2. you will need appropriate A levels or equivalent at C grade or above
3. you will need a degree in at least 50% of the subject that you want to teach
4. the student associate scheme is very good, I have completed both levels BUT you MUST be a student when you complete it
5. phone schools for observation, most are quite helpful. It might be best to do it now though as after the next half term they are moving towards SATS and exam work.
6. you will need obs at least for GTP applications
7. call the TDA they are really helpful and can point you in the right direction

Good luck!

freebie_junkie

I'm doing the PGDE at the min and got my experience doing community workshops in drama and ceative writing (I'm doing Adult Lit)- are there any community centres you could offer your services to? Good Luck!

Oldernotwiser

freebie_junkie wrote: »

I'm doing the PGDE at the min and got my experience doing community workshops in drama and ceative writing (I'm doing Adult Lit)- are there any community centres you could offer your services to? Good Luck!

Probably not a lot of help with entering school teaching. Non teaching work with the relevant age group would be better if school experience is difficult. It's experience of working with children they'd be looking for.