Perhaps you've thought about teaching for years. Or it's one of those careers that keeps popping into your mind - after helping at your child's school, coaching a sports team, mentoring younger colleagues, or simply wanting a career that makes a difference. But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The good news? There isn't one single route into teaching, and you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. If you've ever wondered whether teaching could be for you, here are five simple steps to help turn that thought into a reality. 1. Think about where you'd like to make an impact
Find your route into teaching with the National Institute of Teaching
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Teachers work with children and young people of all ages, and there are many different paths within the profession. You might be drawn to: Primary teaching, supporting children through the early stages of learning. Secondary teaching, specialising in subjects such as English, maths, science, languages or history. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping pupils with additional needs thrive. Alternative provision or specialist settings. Further opportunities later in your career, including leadership, mentoring and pastoral roles. You don't need to have your whole career mapped out now. Most teachers discover their passions as they gain experience. 2. Check whether you already have what you need Many people are surprised to discover that becoming a teacher is more within reach than they thought. In England, you'll usually need: A degree (in any subject). GCSEs in English and maths, plus science for primary teaching. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which you gain through teacher training. And if you're wondering whether you're ‘the right type of person’ to teach, remember that schools need people from all walks of life. Many teachers have previously worked in business, retail, healthcare, sport, engineering, the arts and countless other sectors. The communication, organisation and people skills you've already developed can be just as valuable as your qualifications. While everyone's circumstances are different, organisations such as the National Institute of Teaching provide guidance on eligibility and the qualifications required, helping prospective teachers understand which routes might be available to them.
