Stepping into the Classroom: How To Become an ECT

In this blog, you will learn:

• What ECT stands for.
• How to become an ECT.
• The skills and attributes required to be an ECT. 
• Where the latest ECT jobs are and how to apply for them.

Despite just beginning their professional journey, Early Career Teachers (ECT) are essential in shaping the education of students across all ages and learning abilities. Their enthusiasm, patience, and resilience in the classroom play a crucial role in shaping the future of primary, secondary, and special educational needs (SEND) students everywhere.

The Department for Education reports that 22,536 Early Career Teachers started their Early Career Framework induction in the 2024/25 academic year. However, many more individuals across the UK have the skills and qualities needed to become exceptional ECTs.

If you aspire to build a rewarding career in education or excel in teaching, we’re here to help you become an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and develop the essential skills and qualities for success.

What does ECT stand for?

The acronym ECT stands for Early Careers Teacher. This title is awarded to educators during their first two years of teaching as they build their skills and gain classroom experience. The term ECT replaced the Newly Qualified Teacher acronym, NQT, in September 2021. 

This change aims to provide a more structured and detailed approach to supporting Teachers in the first two years of their career.

How to become an ECT

Before starting a fulfilling career as a Teacher, education professionals must complete a two-year induction period as an Early Career Teacher (ECT), guided by the Early Career Framework. The Early Career Framework is a professional development program and sets out a methodical guide for a Teacher’s during their initial training. 

The two year induction phase for Early Career Teachers is essential for enhancing their skills in the classroom, deepening theoretical knowledge and proving that they meet the standards expected within schools nationwide. 

Before securing a position as an Early Career Teacher (ECT), individuals must first obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through an accredited teacher training program. For those without a degree, QTS can be achieved through a Bachelor of Education degree which includes QTS. For individuals who have a degree, pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will result in Qualified Teacher Status. 

Apprenticeships are also an effective method for achieving QTS. The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship allows individuals to study and gain real life experience whilst working in a school. 

Once an aspiring teacher earns their Qualified Teacher Status, they can begin a two-year induction period as an Early Career Teacher. Support and mentoring will be available throughout and assessments take place during and at the end of this period. This is to ensure that ECTs are aligning with national teaching standards. 

ECTs can work part-time, but this may extend the induction period to ensure they complete the equivalent of two full school years.

What skills and attributes are required to be an ECT?

To effectively manage a classroom and establish authority in a new school, Early Career Teachers need a range of professional skills and personal qualities. By blending essential personal qualities with skills acquired through a professional development program, Early Career Teachers can effectively enhance their teaching abilities.

Professionals skills of a successful Early Career Teacher, include:

• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Organisation
• Technological knowledge

Creativity

This is an essential skill for Early Career Teachers as it helps them to plan tailored and fun lessons for students. Encouraging creativity is essential for engaging students of all abilities. Creative lessons foster focus and enthusiasm, making learning more enjoyable for students.

Adaptability

Early Career Teachers must effectively respond to the changing requirements of students and the school environment. For example, should lessons need adjusting on the spot, an ECT must be able to do this without causing disruption to learning. 

Embracing change in the classroom is a powerful way for Early Career Teachers to enhance their learning and evolve their teaching style. This adaptability fosters resilience and helps them grow into effective teaching professionals.

Organisation

Being organised is crucial for Early Career Teachers who are still adjusting to the classroom environment. Establishing a positive relationship with students, delivering effective instruction, and fostering a happy, safe classroom all rely on an Early Career Teacher's organisational skills. 

Meeting deadlines and effectively managing their workload enables early career teachers (ECTs) to build a strong foundation for long-term success and professional growth right from the start of their careers.

Technological knowledge

Proficiency in a range of software and technology is a valuable asset for Early Career Teachers. Digital tools enhance lessons by giving students the opportunity to engage interactively during tasks. 

Online resources and multimedia materials cater to different academic abilities and diverse learning styles, allowing ECTs to tailor their lessons to individual student needs. 

Primary education recruitment specialist, Joseph Chanter, said, “Using technology can help ECTs to streamline their workload and create a positive relationship with parents and guardians, because it enhances communication methods and therefore builds trust.” 

Personal attributes which help an Early Career Teacher, include:

• Patience
• Resilience
• Enthusiasm

Patience

When challenging situations occur in the classroom, like disruptive behavior, patience allows an Early Career Teacher (ECT) to evaluate the situation and respond effectively. Impatience can worsen a situation, making it more difficult to manage disruptive behavior. With patience, an ECT can demonstrate empathy and build positive relationships with students.

Resilience

Resilience helps Early Career Teachers to navigate workplace challenges and transform setbacks into valuable learning opportunities. If unexpected challenges occur in the classroom, an Early Career Teacher (ECT) should draw on their training to tackle obstacles with confidence and resilience. The more resilient and positive a Teacher is, the better the learning outcomes they can deliver to their class.

Enthusiasm

Teachers just starting their journey in education should harness their enthusiasm to inspire their students. When a teacher shows genuine passion for their subject, it increases student engagement and fosters a more positive attitude toward learning. A positive attitude toward teaching enables Early Career Teachers to foster strong relationships with students, parents or guardians, and their colleagues.

ECT Teacher jobs

If you’re searching for an ECT Teacher job, why not take a look at the latest ECT Teacher vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.

Recruiting Early Career Teachers?

As experts in mainstream and SEND school recruitment, we support schools with their temporary, permanent and temp-perm staffing needs. 

We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Early Career Teachers in the North West.

If you’re struggling to fill an Early Career Teacher vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

• Primary schools - Jimmy Callagher 
• Secondary schools - Liam Jones
• SEND schools - Jamie Heath 

Meet Liam Jones 

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.