Considering a career in teaching?
Teaching is like no other job. It is a career that genuinely makes a difference. It offers the variety, challenge and reward that you would expect from a graduate entry job, as well as a good salary and opportunities for progression. You will need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to be able to teach and must successfully complete initial teacher training (ITT). Routes into teaching have expanded in recent years to include part-time training courses, flexible training to suit individuals and training on the job while earning a salary. There may also be special bursaries for teachers in shortage subjects. To find out more about teaching as a career, courses available and qualifications you need, browse the comprehensive Training & Development Agency (TDA) website at www.tda.gov.uk and follow links to training providers in England and Wales. Alternatively, use the TDA Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 for details about teaching, teacher training bursaries and routes into teaching.
Surrey Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is a popular route into teaching, enabling graduates to train to become qualified teachers whilst employed at a school. Surrey schools have both primary and secondary graduates in training. The programme suits people who want to change to a teaching career and need to continue earning whilst training. The training is tailored to suit individual needs and entry is highly competitive. Preference may be given to candidates who show recent experience of life in the classroom.
Teaching assistants with the necessary qualifications are often considered good applicants. Please refer to the TDA's website www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/becomingateacher for full information regarding the programme. When Qualified Teacher Status has been gained, usually at the end of a full academic year, the student can work as a qualified teacher in any maintained school in England. To qualify for participation in the programme, trainees will need to meet the same standards as students on other courses of initial teacher training. You must have:
- a first degree (honours)
- GCSE, grade C or above (or the equivalent) in Mathematics, English and Science.
To apply for the programme, Surrey recommends that you first find a school prepared to employ you as an unqualified teacher in a supernumerary post. To help you do this, please consult the website www.surreycc.gov.uk and view the contact details of all Surrey schools. Once you have found a school placement, you are able, with the schools support, to seek funding through a Designated or Accrediated Recommending Body (DRB/ARB).
Primary route
In September 2003, the TDA granted Surrey DRB status for primary teachers and we have now supported over 100 graduate trainees to reach Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our only intake is in September. For information regarding alternative DRBs able to offer support, visit the TDA website, www.tda.gov.uk and navigate to "employment based entry into teaching".
Secondary route
For information regarding Secondary DRB support, please contact Audrey Moore at George Abbot School, Guildford, on 01483 888000, email office.ga@webmail.digitalbrain.com or Helen Eley at Thamesmead School, Shepperton on 01932 227078, email hp@thamesmeadschool.com
Registered Teacher Programme (RTP)
The Registered Teacher Programme is designed for those already working in schools who are unqualified and who would like to obtain a degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while they work. The programme usually lasts two years, with one day a week spent studying at university. Trainees continue to work in schools throughout the two years, as this practical aspect is fundamental to the programme. In order to start the RTP, 240 credits are needed - 120 at level 1 and 120 at level 2 - the equivalent to two years in higher education. As with the GTP programme, the full support of the school is essential. Unlike the GTP, the school must fund salary costs, although a training grant of 4,000 is provided for the two years. For further information on the RTP route, please see the TDA website or contact Ellen Worrall or Steve Myers, RTP Administrators at the London Metropolitan University directly on 020 7133 2613, email ecpd@londonmet.ac.uk, or website www.londonmet.ac.uk .
For further advice and support on routes into teaching, please contact the Workforce Development Team on wd@vtplc.com or write to VT Fours Ltd, Baytree Avenue, Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7UE.