So you know you want to be a teacher. Congratulations - you are about to embark on a challenging and rewarding career!
Deciding to get into teaching is exciting, but have you considered what kind of teaching is right for you?
Before you begin, you might wish to consider the different teaching career paths, and try to decide which one appeals to you most. Whether it's considering the age group you might wish to teach, the subject, or the type of school, there is lots to think about!
With so many paths available, the question is: What kind of teaching is right for you? Whether you’re passionate about shaping young minds or guiding adults in specialised fields, finding the right teaching role can make all the difference in your career satisfaction and success.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the different teaching roles available to help you make an informed decision around which one might be right for you.
What Kind of Teaching is Right For You? The Many Different Types of Teaching Jobs
1. Early Years Teaching
- Who Does It Suit?: If you have buckets of patience, an abundance of creativity and enthusiasm, and a love for working with young children aged 0–5, early years teaching might be the perfect fit.
- What You’ll Do: Foster basic social, motor, and cognitive skills in children, preparing them for primary education.
- Qualifications Needed: Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) or a relevant degree in early childhood education.
- Tips for Success: At this age, children learn and develop fast.Flexibility and a nurturing attitude are key attributes to help give children the space and support they need to grow in confidence and learn new skills.
- Did You Know? According to research conducted by the Sutton Trust, Early years education is crucial for long-term academic success.
2. Primary School Teaching
- Who Does It Suit?: A primary school teaching role is fantastic for organised, creative multi-taskers who like to teach a diverse range of subjects to children aged 5–11.
- What You’ll Do: With a focus on foundational subjects, you’ll lesson plan according to the national curriculum, gather resources, be responsible for managing classroom behavior, liaise with and take part in lots of activities across the school such as performances and sports days.
- Qualifications Needed: A Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS, or School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT).
- Tips for Success: Patience, perseverance, time management, good communication skills and a passion for engaging young learners are all necessary attributes to help you thrive.
3. Secondary School Teaching
- Who Does It Suit? Perfect for those with a passion for a specific subject like English, Maths, or Science, secondary school teaching allows you to specialise in the subject you are most passionate about.
- What You’ll Do: Impart your knowledge and wisdom on your specialist subject in-depth to students aged 11–18. You’ll plan, prepare and deliver lessons in accordance with the national curriculum and be responsible for preparing your classes for exams and higher education.
- Qualifications Needed: A degree in your subject and a PGCE or SCITT. Some roles may also require Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses.
- Tips for Success: Strong subject knowledge and the ability to inspire teens are critical. Building rapport with students and strong behavioural management techniques are equally important.
4. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching
- Who Does It Suit: If you’re empathetic and dedicated to supporting students with additional needs, SEN teaching could be your calling.
- What You’ll Do: Provide tailored support to students with physical, emotional, or learning disabilities.
- Qualifications Needed: QTS is required, alongside specific SEND training courses.
- Tips for Success: Patience, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity are vital in this role.
5. Further Education (FE) Teaching
- Who Does It Suit: If you are a professional who enjoys working with adults or young people aged 16+ then this could be the reaching role for you.
- What You’ll Do: You’ll help your students gain knowledge and confidence in both practical and academic skills. Your place of work could be in colleges, vocational schools, or adult learning centres.
- Qualifications Needed: A Diploma in Education and Training (DET) or PGCE in further education.
- Tips for Success: This role can require teaching a wide range of ages, so as well as subject knowledge, you’ll also need a broader understanding of how to teach both younger and older learners.
How to Find Out What Kind of Teaching Is Right for You
1. Reflect on Your Passions and Strengths
Do you have a particular subject in mind? Do you have specialist knowledge? Do you know you’ll enjoy teaching a particular age group the most? By focusing on what you love to do and where your knowledge and interests lie, you can help better understand which kind of teaching is right for you.
2. Consider Your Long-Term Goals
Where do you see your career heading in the future? Do you envision yourself in a classroom setting, or do you see yourself taking on more of a leadership role down the line? Thinking long-term about your goals and aspirations can help narrow down your options.
3. Gain Experience
Gaining qualifications, volunteering in schools, tutoring, or shadowing teachers can provide invaluable insights into what kind of teaching suits you best and help you make an informed decision around where you’d like to focus your attention.
Did You Know?
A recent study by The National Foundation for Educational Research found that teacher job satisfaction significantly increases when educators feel they have autonomy over their development, and have opportunities for professional growth?.
This highlights the importance of choosing a teaching job that aligns with your personality, skills, and aspirations.
Let Horizon Teachers Help You Find the Right Teaching Job
At Horizon Teachers, we specialise in matching teachers of all levels with their ideal roles across London & the South East. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, we’ll help you answer the question, “What kind of teaching is right for you?” Browse our jobs board for the latest teaching roles across London & the South East, or get in touch with our experienced, friendly team to see how we can help you land your dream teaching role.
