Becoming a qualified teacher is a rigorous yet rewarding journey that teachers undergo to ensure they provide the best possible learning environment for students. Entrusting your child’s education with someone else can be a bewildering and even stressful experience. Having searched for tutors for my own children, I thought it would be helpful to explain why it is so important to use a qualified teacher, and what all the qualifications really mean.
Academic Qualifications:
Prospective teachers typically start by earning a relevant undergraduate degree. This could be a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a degree in a specific subject followed by a postgraduate teacher training course.
Initial Teacher Training (ITT):
ITT is a crucial phase in the journey to QTS. During this period, aspiring teachers participate in hands-on classroom experience, honing their practical skills. There are several routes to ITT, including university-based courses, school-led programs, and School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programs.
Classroom Experience:
Gaining firsthand experience in the classroom is a cornerstone of teacher training. Trainee teachers work under the guidance of experienced mentors, learning to manage classrooms, adapt teaching methods, and address the diverse needs of students.
Assessment and Evaluation:
Trainees undergo assessments to evaluate their progress. These assessments may include observations, reflective journals, and written assignments. Successful completion of these assessments is a key step towards achieving QTS.
Professional Skills Tests:
Prospective teachers are required to pass numeracy and literacy skills tests to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas. These tests ensure that educators possess the fundamental skills necessary to excel in teaching roles.
Academic Skills:
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is part of some teacher training programes, but is not obligatory to do. It involves understanding teaching practices and educational theories, and carrying out research.
Having an understanding of the qualifications held by Teachers, can help you feel more confident in beginning a search for a tutor for your child. By searching for these professionals, you can feel assured that your child will be receiving the best educational support for their learning journey.
Ref: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-be-a-teacher/what-is-a-pgce