How To Apply to Become a Teacher?

If you have decided you'd like to become a school teacher, congratulations! You are about to take the first steps to embark on an exciting and rewarding new career. The first thing you need to do is to apply to become a teacher, and there are some things you need to consider and steps you need to take to achieve this. Here, we'll talk you through what you need to do to complete your application.

How to apply to become a teacher - our step by step guide

Before beginning the application process, you must have made some critical decisions. You'll need to decide the age of pupils you'd like to teach. You can choose from the following:

• early years (children up to the age of 5)
• primary (children aged 4/5 to 11)
• secondary (children aged 11 to 18)
• further education (such as colleges or sixth form colleges)

For primary and secondary school teachers, you'll need to ensure you have the right qualifications for the role. It is possible, in some schools, to gain a teaching qualification in situ, but you will need the GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) or higher in English and Maths, and Science if you want to teach primary children.

Applying for teacher training- the application process

If you want to apply for a teacher training course, you'll need to fill out an application. Courses are usually open for applications in October to start in either January or September the following year. The application form will require details about your academic qualifications, whether you've had any work experience or other relevant experience and why you would be suited to the particular age group you hope to teach for. They'll also ask you to explain why you want to get into teaching in the first place. You'll also have to disclose any safeguarding issues on your application, give references and write a personal statement.

Preparing your teacher application

Applying for teaching roles has some similarities to applying for any job. You'll need to disclose your qualifications and experience and explain why you would be the ideal candidate for the role. You'll be asked to provide two references, and your references will be contacted to find out more about your character and why you'd be a great teacher. It's essential you choose references carefully and contact them beforehand to get their permission to use their details and ensure that they respond promptly when contacted. References should have good knowledge of your character and experience as they should be able to comment on your skills, reliability, and professionalism in a workplace setting. Good choices could be a current or previous employer, a teacher at a school where you've done work experience, or your university tutor or course leader.

Writing your teacher personal statement

One of the most important aspects of applying to become a teacher is creating a solid personal statement that demonstrates your motivation for becoming a teacher, your commitment to teaching, and your passion for educating others. You'll need to write about why you want to teach and why you are suited to teach the subject(s) you are applying for or the age group you want to teach. Include what inspired you to become a teacher, the unique qualities you can bring to the role, and any skills, hobbies, or experiences you've had that enhanced your skills as an educator. Talk about your personal qualities and give your thoughts on the importance of children's wellbeing and the education system.

If you’re invited to interview

If you are invited to interview for a teaching role, you should prepare as much as possible beforehand. Learn about the school's ethos, its history, and what it offers, and be prepared to talk about your skills, expertise, and passions. You will be asked questions about your teaching style, how you'll ensure pupils understand your lessons, what technology you might use in the classroom, how you'll build relationships with your pupils, parents, and other teaching staff, and manage challenging behaviour.

Discover your next teaching role with Horizon Teachers today

Applying to become a teacher takes time and effort, but it will feel so worth it when you land your dream teaching role. If you are looking for your next great teaching job, browse the jobs at Horizon teachers, or get in touch with our team to discuss what you are looking for today!