The journey to become a teacher
The journey to become a teacher can be exciting, surprising and overwhelming. You will have a lot of questions to answer before you can shortlist the courses that are right for you. Here we have broken down the process in to 4 stages:
- Exploring your options
- Applying for training courses
- Committing to a training provider
- Beginning your teacher training
Each stage can vary in length depending on the course, provider and when you apply. You can apply for teacher training when UCAS opens in October, and some providers recruit until the end of August.
It is normal to feel uncertain or frustrated at certain points in the process and it is important to get in touch with people who can answer your questions. You can always get in touch with us to ask a question.
Use the interactive graphic below to help navigate your way through the journey to become a teacher.
1. Explore
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What is teaching really like?
Is teaching challenging?
There is too much information
Questions
- Is teaching for me?
- What’s the fastest way to become a teacher?
- Do I need first-hand experience of teaching?
What financial support is available?
It’s hard to find schools offering school experience
Emotions
During this stage, it can be frustrating to find the right information. Attending school experience can be thrilling, surprising or confusing. Make sure you visit a variety of schools close to you
Answers
- Talk to family and friends
- Visit a school and talk to teachers and trainees
- Explore the CESET site (videos and information)
- Book on to a CESET event
- Visit the Get Into Teaching site
- Book some experience in a CESET school
- Download a CESET resource pack to support your school experience visit
- Find out about finance at the Get Into Teaching website
2. Apply
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What are the different routes into teaching?
How do I choose the best route for me?
How can I be sure?
Questions
- How do I short-list the courses that are right for me?
- How do I write a personal statement and apply?
- Where can I get help on my personal statement?
- Why haven’t I had any feedback on my application yet?
- Have my referees replied?
- How can I chase my application?
- What happens next?
Bursary versus Salaried versus Paid?
There are so many decision points (route, location, duration, outcome, etc…)
Emotions
It’s an exciting moment when you have submitted your application. This stage can vary in length depending on the provider. Sometimes it can feel hard to know what to do or who to contact
Answers
- Use the CESET filter to search and compare providers in the region
- Visit UCAS.com/teachertraining
- Speak to your provider, or contact CESET, for help writing your personal statement
- Ask your referees if they have responded
- Call your provider to chase your application
- Contact CESET and we can chase it for you
3. Commit
Actions
Questions
- Where can I get support with my skills tests?
Answers
- Contact your provider to find out about the support they offer
- Contact CESET to find this information too
- Visit the school you will be training in
4. Train
Actions
Training will be provider based
Practical training through work placements
Trainees will be assigned a mentor
Answers
- Read the minimum expectations for CESET mentoring
- Get in touch with your school or provider for course information
Find training courses
Visit a school
Any questions?
