Becoming a teacher - where to start
If you’re considering a career in teaching, there are a few things you’ll need to think about, such as what type of setting you want to teach in, what age range and subject(s) you want to teach and what skills, experience and qualifications you’ll need. To become a qualified teacher in state-maintained schools in the UK, you’ll need to undertake teacher training.
Is teaching right for you?
One of the strengths of the profession is that it attracts applicants from all walks of life who do a fantastic job. If you’re a mature entrant or career changer, you’ll also have life experience that's welcomed and of great value to the teaching profession.
You can explore what it means to become a teacher with the free OU FutureLearn course – Becoming a Teacher. This practical course is for anyone thinking about getting into teaching. It'll help give you a sense of what being a teacher is like and also gives advice on starting your application for initial teacher training.
The best way to decide if teaching is right for you and demonstrate that you’re committed to the job is by gaining classroom experience. Find out more on the Prospects website about gaining work experience in schools.
Open University (OU) study as preparation for teacher training
Many OU students become teachers and a degree from the OU can be very appropriate preparation. However, the choice of what you study may be critical in securing entry into teacher training and ultimately get a job in the teaching profession.
Many teacher training providers will ask that your degree is related to the subject you intend to teach. A degree in the specialist subject area you wish to teach is particularly appropriate for the secondary sector, further education and higher education sector. The BA/BSc Open (Honours), or Open degree, which is tailored to your study interests, might be a useful choice for teaching but you must ensure the modules within the degree are appropriate for the age range and setting you wish to teach. Information and advice on choosing qualifications and modules at the OU can be accessed from the Open University prospectus.
Teacher training providers may have differing views on your module and degree choice. You are strongly advised to check the entry requirements, including degree content, with each provider you may wish to apply to before embarking on your degree (or as soon as possible if you're already studying). Most providers will also expect you to officially have your degree classification confirmed before you start teacher training.
Training routes and funding
The training routes and funding options available will depend on where you live or want to teach. You can find out more using the following links.
