Before you apply for a teacher training place, you need to do your homework. First, you need to investigate all the different teacher training options. Are you better suited to a university-led course (albeit with lots of time spent in schools) or to a school-led course (albeit working with a university or training provider)?
You’ll also need to know that wherever you want to do your training is actively recruiting. Choosing a mixture of university and school-led training when applying through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) should maximise your chances of success.
Assuming you’ve met the standard entry requirements, you’ll also need to pass professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy.
But you’ll also need to thoroughly explore what being a teacher is all about. “Just because you’ve been to school doesn’t mean you understand it,” says Jim Pugh, head of education at Staffordshire University. “You need to understand the context of the industry. It’s not just about children; it’s about the wider role of learning and teaching.”
Schools and universities regularly organise events giving information about teaching particular subjects or about the recruitment process, as well as holding general open days. These events are worth attending to get an idea of the general feel of what it would be like to study at a particular institution, as well as a chance to speak to recruiters.
By registering on the Department for Education’s Get Into Teaching site, anyone who is planning to teach a priority subject – maths, physics, languages, chemistry, computing, geography or biology – and wants to start training this September can access personalised guidance on the application process.
Get Into Teaching also organises roadshows and workshops on applying, and holds online sessions on topics such as how to write an effective personal statement. When it comes to personal statements, you’ll need to demonstrate a dedication to improving children’s lives through teaching, citing work experience or volunteering that you’ve undertaken. Also mention whether you’ve taken part in the School Experience Programme.
And when you give someone’s name as a referee, make sure you’ve asked the referee first, have confirmed with them that they are happy to commend you and will be able to explain what a fantastic teacher you are likely to be.
Top tips for your application
Don’t forget about the professional numeracy and literacy skills tests. Get hold of mock tests to help you practise.
Attend open days, workshops and online events to get as much help as you can through the applications process.
Thoroughly research different routes into teaching and investigate which you are the most suited to.
Don’t go over the word limit in the personal statement (you may want to draft it in a word document first).
Avoid cliches and vague phrases in your statement, such as: “I’ve always wanted to teach.”
Be ready to explain why you like teaching a particular age group.
Speak to your referees and make sure they know about you and what your teaching-related skills are.
Get classroom experience with the age group you want to teach and make it clear in your application.
Spellcheck, spellcheck, spellcheck – and make sure your grammar and punctuation is correct. Always get your form checked by someone else.
Don’t use anyone else’s statement as there is software that checks this.
Don’t say you may have a problem with Monday mornings!
