Teacher – Job Description

  
Teacher – Job Description

Learn more about becoming and working as a Teacher in the UK.

Main Duties

A teacher will either teach at primary or secondary school.

A primary school teacher will be responsible for children between age 5 and 11 have to produce lesson plans in like with the national curriculum. They will have to teach these to class while creating a warm learning environment where pupils enjoy being with them. They will teach one class most of the time, so will need a knowledge in all primary core subjects. They will have to assess pupils and ensure their learning progresses through the school year.

A secondary school teacher will specialise in one or more national curriculum subjects and teach children aged 11-19. They will teach as well as observe and record progress. They will have to plan lessons and mark work. They have to keep up to date with the subject that they are teaching. They will have to take on pastoral duties if they are a form teacher.

Most teachers will work a 50 hour week during school term time. They do have up to 13 weeks holiday but most will do marking and preparation as part of this. Part-time and temporary posts are often available.

Expected Salary

Primary School teachers salary usually starts at £21,500 although this will increase with experience. Academies and free school set their own rates which could be very different.

Pros

Job satisfaction from seeing pupils improve.
Good salary and pension scheme.
Varied work, with new pupils to teach each year bringing new challenges.

Cons

Long working hours during term time.
Have to cope with disciplining children who may be unruly.
Only able to take holidays during school holiday period when they are expensive.

Qualifications Required

A teacher will either need a good honours degree followed by a PGCE or a BEd.
Someone with a lot of classroom experience may be able to do a School Direct course which is employment based and a PGCE may be awarded afterwards.
Teach First is a two year programme for top graduates where trainees are in a challenging school but get a PGCE at the end.
They will need to pass a CRB check and health check.

Required Skills
Ability to communicate well with children and parentsGood time management and organisational skillsEnergy, patience, stamina, enthusiasm and self-disciplineAbility to work as part of a team but also with leadership skillsResponsible and good at disciplining childrenCreative, especially for primary teacher