What is a Teacher?

A Teacher is an education professional who teaches children and young adults in primary, secondary, or special educational needs (SEND) schools. They share their knowledge in specific subjects to help students acquire the skills needed to excel in exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels.

The duties of a Teacher will vary depending on the educational setting, age and capability of students. The main goal of a teacher is to educate, inspire, motivate, and support students while fostering a safe, happy, and inclusive learning environment.

Teachers need to adjust to various learning needs and provide clear instructions to help students of all ages and abilities achieve their educational goals.

A primary school teacher is responsible for teaching a range of subjects, including English, Maths, and Science. In secondary schools, there are specific Teachers assigned to each subject, such as French, Biology, and Physical Education (P.E).

A Supply Teacher is a qualified education professional who is employed on a temporary basis to cover the absence of a permanent Teacher. This may be due to a permanent staff member being on sick leave, maternity leave, or needing to take an unexpected break from their duties.

Teachers must establish their authority in the classroom to command the attention of students. Teaching styles can differ based on students' age and abilities. However, Teachers should always strive to make their lessons enjoyable, creative, and effective for every learner.

A Teacher's role encompasses various responsibilities focused on fostering student growth and creating a positive learning environment. Teachers create and deliver lesson plans, ensuring each student receives a comprehensive education. In addition, they assign homework to reinforce concepts and monitor students' progress, carefully recording their achievements to offer constructive feedback.

A Teacher’s responsibilities might include:  

• Develop and implement lesson plans that address the diverse learning needs of all students, ensuring positive outcomes for every learner.
• Monitor and document students' progress to identify areas for improvement, track progression and report back to parents, guardians and other education professionals.
• Provide constructive feedback to ensure students are continuously progressing, actively participating in lessons and experiencing a positive learning environment. 
• Communicate students' progress to parents and work together to build a strong partnership between home and school.
• Work with other organisations when requested depending on individuals needs.
• Participate in meetings and training sessions as needed to enhance skills and deliver the best educational outcomes for students.
• Attend and participate in school events to show commitment to the school culture and experience opportunities outside the classroom. 
• Answer student questions to encourage their participation in lessons and demonstrate a commitment to curiosity and enthusiasm in the classroom. 
• Assist the senior leadership team in managing the school's daily operations and ensure that everyone is aligned on student progress.
• Record classroom attendance to ensure that students are present and that a structured and organised classroom experience exists for all.
• Mark and grade work completed by students whilst providing valuable insights and constructive feedback for areas of improvement.
• Gather all necessary supplies for lessons and presentations to ensure a smooth and engaging learning experience for students. This preparation helps minimise disruptions and keeps the focus on effective teaching.

To teach in the majority of schools in England you will need a teaching degree and obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is for all schools funded by local authorities and also applies to non-maintained special schools. 

Schools which don’t require QTS include private, independent, academy and free schools. However, many of these schools will still request QTS to ensure the quality of their Teachers. You can get QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate teacher training. 

If you have a degree or equivalent qualification but it is not in education, you can do postgraduate teacher training called a PGCE. A PGCE can be worked towards alongside Qualified Teacher Status and is generally obtained through a university-led teacher training course. A PGCE is not always necessary to become a Teacher, but it is a valuable opportunity for aspiring educators to improve their skills and knowledge in working with children and young people.

Teachers aiming to work in a secondary school typically need a degree related to their subject area, such as Maths, English, or Science. Typically, both primary and secondary schools desire a bachelor’s degree of some kind.

To teach, you need to have achieved at least a grade 4 (formerly a C) in English and Maths GCSEs. If you plan to specialise in primary or early years education, you also need a grade 4 in Science.

Teacher Degree Apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for aspiring educators. These programs combine a four-year full-time course with hands-on experience in a school setting. Participants usually spend two weekdays in university classes to pursue their degree while earning a salary for their classroom time.

Within the education sector, pay scales for qualified Teachers are split into pay ranges to reflect a professional's performance. Pay ranges are reviewed yearly and encouragingly, most Teachers increase in pay range after each review. 

Teachers who have obtained Qualified Teacher Status will receive a minimum starting salary of £31,650. This salary represents the average for England, excluding London. In London, the minimum salary can reach approximately £38,766.

Unqualified teachers, who have not yet obtained their Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), earn salaries based on a six-point scale. In England and Wales, this scale ranges from an annual salary of £21,731 to £33,902. Rates in London are slightly higher, particularly in the city’s inner areas, where they could rise by as much as £6,000.

The six-point pay scale is coordinated by the UK government’s School Teachers’ Review Body. However, it is the academy that employs an unqualified Teacher that determines their position on the scale. An unqualified Teacher’s professional performance will determine their progression in terms of salary.  

Teachers are employed by all types of schools including state, private and independent schools. The employer will depend on the status of the school. In voluntary controlled or community special schools, the local authority acts as the employer, while the school's governing body is involved in decision-making.

In voluntary aided or foundation schools, the governing body serves as the employer of teachers. In independent schools, this responsibility lies with a board of trustees or a foundation. Teachers within academies are employed by the academy trust or multi-academy company.

Teachers can enhance their income by providing private tutoring to students, either in person or through online education platforms.

The beauty of teaching is that there are multiple career prospects for Teachers, both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether a Teacher aims to become a Headteacher or a Head of Year/Subject, their skills can be applied in various roles.

A Teacher may also choose to pursue a career within pastoral care, providing wellbeing support to students. A Teacher can move into a management position, such as a Head of Department, to promote student success in subjects such as History or Drama. If a Teacher aims to lead a department, they should demonstrate strong leadership abilities and consider pursuing further qualifications, such as a National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching.

The career prospects for a Teacher can vary depending on the school and the availability of roles. The good news is that with the necessary experience, a Teacher can move between primary and secondary schools. 

There are also many exciting career prospects for Teachers outside of the classroom. For example, teaching skills are highly transferable to careers within corporate training and online tutoring. Good communication and leadership qualities developed within a teaching career, equip Teachers with the necessary skills to embark on a managerial role, even if this is not within an educational institution. 

The skills developed during a teaching career can easily transition to other fields. With the right training and qualifications, teachers can pursue opportunities in areas such as social care. The compassion, patience, and strong communication skills developed through working with children and young people can lead to a rewarding career as a Child Support Worker.

A successful Teacher possesses a diverse skill-set which contributes to an enriching and effective learning experience for their students. Creative thinking sits at the heart of engaging lessons, to captivate students' imaginations and foster a love for learning. 

Key skills of a Teacher include:

• Excellent communication skills to ensure clear and effective delivery of information. This will enable seamless interactions with pupils, parents/guardians and colleagues.
• Organisation to make sure that lessons and resources are well-prepared and contribute to a structured and efficient learning environment. 
• Confident public speaking to effectively deliver engaging presentations and capture the attention of students.
• Patience so that Teachers can navigate challenges and support students who learn at a variety of different paces. 
• Enthusiasm and the ability to inspire about the subject. This skill is essential for sparking curiosity and encouraging active participation from all students.  
• Motivational speaking inspires students to cultivate drive and determination, encouraging them to consistently strive for excellence in their studies.
• Engage in active listening to grasp each student's needs and concerns, allowing for tailored support that meets the unique requirements of every individual.
• Computer literacy to enhance lessons through technology and online learning.
• Ability to work well in a team to ensure the whole school body is working cohesively towards positive learning outcomes for students.
• Knowledge of the national curriculum to deliver lesson content which aligns with educational standards across the UK. 
• Adaptability and the ability to teach in a range of different environments to meet learning needs across different ages and learning abilities. 
• Caring, approachable and understanding nature to prioritise student wellbeing and emotional growth alongside an educational journey.