Teacher (secondary)

What it involves

Secondary teaching, although very rewarding, can be a stressful and exhausting occupation. It requires an enthusiastic, imaginative, committed and energetic individual capable of getting the best from every child while maintaining discipline. Typical responsibilities include lesson planning and preparation, contact time with pupils, checking and assessing work, staff meetings and liaison with parents. Ongoing professional development is an important feature of the job.

What's required

Secondary teachers are employed within state-maintained and private schools or sixth form colleges. Anyone wishing to teach in the state-maintained sector must gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) either by taking a teaching degree, a degree followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), or employment-based graduate/registered teacher training programmes. All candidates must possess GCSEs (grades A-C) in English and maths, and science for those born after 1st September 1979. There are also health and criminal record restrictions.

Early applications for PGCE places to the GTTR are advisable during the first term of your final year. Degree discipline studied must meet set criteria for National Curriculum relevance for the subject you wish to teach. A science, technology or maths degree can be advantageous, as there are shortages of people with these backgrounds entering the profession.

Previous experience of working with children is essential. This can be gained through direct approaches to schools, voluntary work, job shadowing or by helping at summer camps or play schemes. National Curriculum familiarity can also be helpful.

Where to find out more

Teaching vacancies are advertised in local authority jobs lists, the Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian and local newspapers. You can also pick up a copy of TARGETjobs Teaching from your careers service.