Advice and Information
Once you have decided that you would like to get into teaching there are some important things to consider. Would you like to teach at Primary or Secondary level? Which one is better suited to you and your skills and what are the differences? What is life like as a teacher? The TDA website has information and answers to these types of questions - please visit www.teach.gov.uk for more information.
- Please call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 to find out about the basic requirements, the benefits and training and what is the best path to becoming a teacher for you.
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In order to gain classroom experience and boost your job potential, it may be advisable to consider Voluntary/Observational Work in a school for a week or two. If you are an Overseas Trained Teacher (OTT) then this is an especially good idea in order for you to become familiar with a UK classroom and curriculum. Contact the schools in the area close to you and ask them to accomodate you in Voluntary work. They will be used to these requests and grateful of any support but you may have to wait for them to fit you into their staffin timetable so be patient! This opportunity will give you an excellent taste of life in the classroom. For contact details of our schools please go to the
Schools and Support section.
- Once you have secured a job as a teacher, it is advisable to investigate the Teaching Unions and join one of them for the support, advice, information they can offer you during your career: Please visit our Teachers Benefits Pagefor more information.
Alternative Routes to Teaching
- Each year, the TDA funds more than 100 Taster courses offering 2,500 people the opportunity to get an insight into teaching - and teacher training - before they apply for a place on an initial teacher training (ITT) course. For more information please visit: Taster Courses
- The Student Associates Scheme (SAS) is for students interested in gaining classroom experience while pursuing their studies. Guided by experienced teachers students will be learning how to work with pupils in the classroom. Where possible, you can contribute to the delivery of lessons, use your degree subject in the classroom and learn more about aspects of education that interests you. There is a tax-free bursary around £40 for every day spent in school or college during the scheme. The scheme is open to students registered on relevant HND, foundation degree, undergraduate degree and postgraduate programmes subject to certain conditions. For more information please visit: Student Associates
- If you are a graduate you may also like to consider the Teach First Scheme - which aims to place graduates with strong academic backgrounds, in schools with challenging circumstances in order to diversify their teaching experience and provide early developmental and leadership opportunties on an open career path. For more information please visit www.teachfirst.org.uk.
- If you are already a teacher and are looking for ways to expand your career then please take a look at our CPD pages for details of the local and national, training and development initiatives Hounslow has to offer.