Pages

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Career Track Tuesdays: Teaching As A Career

My Notes:
I found this session incredibly helpful. It was only weeks after my PPP presentation that explicitly spoke about how I wanted to go into teaching, or at least find our more about it.
The quality of information was so helpful. To know all of the background information, the vast process, the different strands to be able to achieve specific outcomes. Also, the focus on creative subjects was helpful. It helped my realise what I didn't want to do, but also carve our the areas that I do want to explore.
The main thing I took away from this was to look into getting as much experience as possible. I definitely want to make this an aim for my PPP this year. Just to try and gather more information and experience, in education to further my endeavors for career choices after University.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Target / AGCAS information: argetpostgrad.com/studyareas/teaching
Get into Teaching Events: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/teaching-events

Have you got what it takes?
  • Intelligence 
  • Professionalism
  • Organisation 
  • Communication 
  • Resilience 
  • Patience 
  • Self reflection
  • Enthusiasm 
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Humour
  • Energy

Do you know what you want to teach?
  • Primary / Early Years? 
  • Secondary – Art and Design? 
  • Secondary – Design Technology? 
  • Teaching Adults / in Colleges? 

Questions to think about…
  • Which age range do I want to teach?
  • What subject?
  • How do I apply?
  • When do I need to apply?
  • Do I meet the entry requirements?
  • What funding might be available?

Question What minimum qualifications do you need to become a teacher ?
a) A degree
b) Maths GCSE                  < All at grade C or above (or equivalent)
c) English GCSE        
d) Science GCSE - (If you want to teach at primary level and KS2/3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Training Routes

Which Type of Training? 
Choose from university and school-led training There are different routes into teaching, and each involves:
  • A minimum of 24 weeks in at least two schools to give you practical classroom experience (18 weeks for primary)
  • Academic study to give you the knowledge and understanding to teach successfully 
  • An assessment of your teaching skills (through being observed teaching classes)


School-Led Training 
You are selected for training by a school or group of schools in partnership with a university or SCITT. You’ll also study at the university, college or SCITT they’re partnered with. If you’re successful in your training, you might get a job in one of the schools in the partnership. 

How It Works
  • You will train in at least two schools, and you'll also be taught by the university, college or SCITT that the school partners with. 
  • In some cases, you’ll find out which school you’ll be placed in when you apply but this isn’t always possible. 
  • There are primary and secondary places available all over England – the numbers vary across subjects and age groups, depending on the number of schools in each partnership.
  • A great way to have your training supported by experienced teachers 
  • These routes still include lectures, tutorials and seminars that cover the same material as university-led courses 
  • All courses lead to QTS recommendation, and most to the PGCE qualification too
School Direct Salaried
  • Paid as an unqualified teacher for the training period 
  • Must have at least 3 years professional experience 
  • Usually suitable for more mature career changers
  • Salary £21,000


Teacher Training in Universities and Colleges 
Based at a university or college, with classroom placements in at least two schools for a minimum of 120 days (24 weeks) of the programme. You will get a QTS and PGCE. You will also spend time at the university or college working with a group of other students and being taught by university staff.

1. Teach first PAID
teachfirst.org.uk
  • Leadership development programme with PGCE and QTS
  • 2 year programme – begins in the summer 
  • Schools in challenging circumstances – primary and secondary 
  • Approx. £21,000 salary 
  • Open for applications from June – fill quickly 
  • 2.1 degree or above, 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
  • Flexibility to work anywhere within regions

2. HMC Teacher training PAID
    hmcteachertraining.org.uk
  • HMC Teacher Training is a two year programme of recruitment, training and induction that provides a direct route into the teaching profession. Trainee teachers work in salaried posts in HMC independent senior schools and gain a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status. 
  • Opens November 2015
  • Salary c£21,000

3. Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector / PGCE Lifelong Learning
    feadviceline@etfoundation.co.uk
    feadvice.org.uk
    0300 303 1877
  • Colleges and 6th forms 
  • Community settings 
  • Prisons 
  • Training organisations 
  • BTECS, NVQs, A levels, Basic / functional Skills, ESOL, vocational subject areas 
  • Search on UCAS Teacher Training 
  • Largest UK provision based at Huddersfield 
  • Google PGCE Lifelong Learning 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funding
  • With all courses (except School Direct salaried/Teach First) you have access to student loans for fees and maintenance.
  • You don’t have to pay anything up front.
  • See 'Get into Teaching' for details.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Makes A Good Application?

Applications
  • Search for a course and apply online through UCAS Teacher Training
    ucas.com/teacher-training
  • Applications open from October – no deadline but places fill quickly 
  • You get three choices (in Apply 1) – any route but don’t mix age groups! 
  • If you get nothing in Apply 1 you can add one choice at a time in Apply 2 from 9 November

Research the Course
  • What class of degree do they require?
  • What degree subjects are acceptable? 
  • Will they accept equivalency tests for GCSEs? 
  • How much experience do they want? 
  • Is it worth you applying there?

What Providers/Schools Are Looking For:
  • Reflect on your classroom and other experiences
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of the role, the stage, the curriculum, and terminology 
  • Secondary – show enthusiasm for and knowledge of your subject area 
  • Primary – show how your degree relates to curriculum 


Your School and Work Experience
In this section you must give details of your school experience and work history. Training providers will be particularly interested in work in schools, but paid work is relevant too.

What To Include:
  • Your school experience and work history, including your present occupation. 
  • Periods spent abroad, placements and observations. 
  • For time in a school or college include details of the age groups and subjects you were directly involved with.
Your School and Work Experience
  • For work not in a school or college include information that illustrates your transferable skills, particularly those that would be valuable in the classroom. 
  • For the ‘hours per week’ question give the average weekly time you spent in each school, establishment or employer. 
  • You need to have three years’ experience of work for the School Direct (salaried) route. So if you’re applying for this option, make sure this shows clearly on your application.
  • If you want to go into additional detail about your classroom experience or work history you can include this in your personal statement.
Degree Content
  • Name your modules and say how many credits they are 
  • Should add up to 360 credits for an Honours degree 
  • Particularly important if your degree does not obviously relate to a teaching area


The Personal Statement
The personal statement is the most crucial part of your application form. It is used by training providers to assess your commitment to teaching, desire for self development, and enthusiasm about education. You have 47 lines to convince them you deserve a place on their course.

Terminology
  • Key stage
  • National curriculum
  • Syllabus
  • SEN / SENCO 
  • Safeguarding 
  • DBS 
  • Long / mid / short term plans 
  • Cross curricular teaching 
  • Core subjects 
  • INSET 
  • OFSTED 
  • Cover supervisor 
  • Pastoral care 
  • Differentiation 
  • Assessment 
  • Positive behaviour management 
  • Scheme of work 
  • Systematic synthetic phonics 
  • Examining bodies 
  • QTS 
  • EYFS 
  • ITT 
  • PPA


Referees
Choose referees who know you personally and can comment on your suitability to teach as well as your subject knowledge strengths. If you have not yet graduated or are a relatively recent graduate, your first reference must be your personal tutor at university – if you do not include an academic reference your application may be held up. It is up to you to make sure your referees submit their reference. The application will not go anywhere until this has happened.


Getting experience 
You need experience in a classroom. Ideally in your subject area / with the relevant age group. Make speculative approaches to local schools, phone call, visit, CV and covering letter, follow up – to Head of Department or Headteacher.
  • Try your old school? 
  • Ask at the SU – any schools related volunteering? 
  • Brownie / Cub / Guide/ Scout group? 
  • Leeds City Council – TA vacancies
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Skills Test

Professional Skills Tests
education.gov.uk/teachskillstests
  • Trainee teachers need to have passed professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy prior to starting their teacher training course. 
  • The tests are taken online at a test centre 
  • The first attempt is free – then charges are made - £20 each 
  • You only get 3 chances to pass then you are out of the system for 2 years


The Numeracy Test
The numeracy skills test is divided into 2 areas: mental arithmetic section; written section. 
You will not be tested on your knowledge of the mathematics national curriculum or on how to teach it. 
The standard test will last approximately 48 minutes, unless specific arrangements have been granted.
Each test contains 28 questions made up of 12 mental arithmetic questions and 16 written questions (plus a practice question that is not scored. All questions carry 1 mark regardless of the number of required responses.

  • Mental Arithmetic Questions 
    The mental arithmetic section is an audio test which you will listen to via headphones provided for you. It tests your ability to carry out mental calculations using: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, time, fractions, decimals and percentages, proportions involving fractions, decimals and percentages, measurement (including money, distance, area and volume conversion

  • Written Section - (written arithmetic and written data) 
    Written questions are presented in a series of on-screen questions. You may use an on-screen calculator. You’ll be tested on your ability to solve written arithmetic problems which include: time, money, fractions, decimals and percentages, proportion and ratio, measurements (eg distance, area), conversions, averages (including mean, median and mode), range and using simple formulae .


The Literacy Test
  • Spelling (10 marks) - Spell correctly especially words from a teacher’s professional written vocabulary. 
    Punctuation (15 marks) - Punctuate texts with a professional content in a helpful and consistent way. 
  • Grammar (10-12 marks) - Recognise where writing does not conform to Standard English, where it fails to make sense and where the style is inappropriate. 
  • Comprehension (10-12 marks) Understand and analyse the kinds of texts teachers encounter in their professional reading.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice for Applicants
Use The Practice Tests
Brush up on your Maths and Spelling and Grammar


The Interview – all candidates are interviewed
Practical tips


Selection day
  • Meet with staff / students / visit school 
  • Pupil interaction / teaching
  • Writing test 
  • Maths test?
  • Discussion 
  • Presentation 
  • Formal interview