What Are the Main Types of Teachers?

To become a teacher, you can work at different levels of education, from primary school to university level. Some teachers specialize in a broad range of subjects. Here are the major types of teachers:

• Primary School Teacher: Teaches children in primary school aged four to 11. It teaches many subjects, including math, reading, writing, and science, focusing on basic skills.
• Secondary School Teacher: Teaches students (aged 11-18) in secondary schools (high schools in the US), usually focusing on one subject, e.g., English, math, or history. Secondary teachers teach students how to take exams, think critically, and gain more advanced subject knowledge.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher: Teaching pupils with special educational needs, mostly at school, adapting lessons for various learning abilities. SEN teachers may work in mainstream or special schools.
• Further Education (FE) Teacher: Takes the role of a teacher in further education institutions (colleges, sixth forms), usually focused on vocational or academic subjects, and often preparing students over 16 for employment.
• Early Years Teacher: Works with children in their first five years of life and is responsible for helping them develop through play and structured activities. Teachers focus on developing early literacy, numeracy, and social skills in the early years.
• University Lecturer: A member of the academic staff in a university or college who teaches students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, usually in a specialist subject area. University lecturers will typically engage in research and write for academic journals.
• Private Tutor: A one-on-one or small group instructor who works outside the classroom is an expert in a particular subject or test preparation and who focuses on the unique needs of the students.

Each teaching role requires training, skills, and certification before you are allowed to work in each area. You need to decide which one is best for you.

What Does a Teacher Do?

Teachers educate students, guide and motivate them to learn, nurture academic and thinking skills, and make them socially aware. Here is an overview of the major essential responsibilities of a teacher.

• Planning and Delivering Lessons: Teachers plan lessons to help students meet curriculum standards and learning objectives. Lessons are tailored to different learning dynamics and student needs.
• Evaluate Students’ Work: Teachers evaluate students’ work once they have completed tests, assignments, and class participation, checking to see if they are improving or need to improve.
• Classroom Management: Teachers create a friendly, supportive, and productive learning environment. They help students to deal effectively with behavior and to show respect for others. They clearly describe what they expect of students and the rules and routines for learning.
• Feedback and support: Teachers give students specific feedback about their work, both what they did well and where they can improve. They also help students who struggle or need extra support.
• Working with Colleagues and Parents: Teachers must work alongside other educators, support staff, and parents to ensure student learning and wellbeing. Students receive whole-of-school support when communication lines are open and teams collaborate.
• Differentiating Learning: Teachers adjust lessons and materials to accommodate varying learning styles, abilities, and needs. In particular, SEN teachers work on individual education plans (IEPs) for pupils with special educational needs.
• Promoting Personal and Social Development: Teachers support students in developing social skills, self-confidence, and resilience. They contribute to creating a safe, inclusive community where students feel valued and motivated.

Without teachers, it would be difficult for students to realize their aspirations and contribute to society as they grow up.

Average Teacher Salary

Salaries for teachers vary depending on location, educational level, and experience. Here’s an overview of typical earnings for teachers in the UK:

• Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs): NQTs in England earn between £28,000 and £34,000 a year, depending on where they work. Teachers in London often have an additional cost of living allowance added to their base pay.
• Teacher with Some Experience: Some years of experience means between £35,000 and £44,000 per annum. Then, once you’re an experienced teacher, you might have the opportunity to look at department head or pastoral roles, which could pay a bit more.
• Senior Teachers and Lead Practitioners: Those senior teachers with management responsibilities or specializing in a particular teaching area can be paid between £45,000 and £65,000 or more.
• Further Education and University Lecturers: FE lecturers: £25,000–£45,000 depending on the institution. University lecturers: £40,000–£60,000 depending on the institution, and some senior lecturers or professors earn much more.
• Private Tutors: Self-employed tutors choose their own rates, and they typically charge between £20 and £50 per hour. Annual earnings vary considerably depending on their ability to secure clients and students.

Teacher Skills

Teachers require a mix of educational, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Key skills include:

• Subject Knowledge and Curriculum Understanding: Good teachers have strong subject knowledge and an appreciation of curriculum goals.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: The teacher should communicate ideas clearly and ask students questions. She should give presentations and demonstrations about teaching concepts. Proper communication will help students learn properly.
• Patience and Empathy: It takes patience to be a teacher, especially when you work with students who struggle or need special attention. Empathy helps you relate to your students and understand their needs.
• Classroom management and discipline: Teachers must manage classroom behavior, create boundaries, and foster a respectful learning environment. Strong classroom management skills create a safe learning space.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Lessons are rarely taught as planned; teachers have to adjust to change, solve problems as they arise, and improvise around practical issues that might arise in the classroom.
• Assessment and Evaluation Skills: An important responsibility of the teacher is to assess their students’ progress using evaluation instruments (such as assignments, tests, etc.) and their class participation. Assessment skills help teachers recognize where the student is struggling and make necessary adjustments to their instruction.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Teachers often work with colleagues, parents, and support staff. Collaboration skills help to coordinate the support for students and enhance the learning outcomes.

Teacher Tips

Here are some essential tips for becoming a successful teacher:

• Develop your classroom presence: Early classroom experience, particularly as a teaching assistant or volunteer, can help to understand the dynamics of a classroom and develop teaching skills.
• Cultivate Good Communication: Communicate clearly and engage students to convey the material effectively. The benefits of good communication in interpersonal relationships with colleagues, parents, and students are also evident.
• Focus on Classroom Management: Master good classroom management early on, and you will make it easier to create positive, respectful classroom spaces for students to learn in. Set limits early and maintain consistent routines.
• Flexible and Open to Feedback: The environment you are in can be unpredictable, so you can muster more positive outcomes in the long term by being flexible and open to feedback from your mentors, colleagues, and students.
• Stay Organized and Plan Ahead: Lesson plans are important. If you want to keep your sanity, you must be organized. Plan and stay organized. Don’t be disorganized or unprepared. When writing your lessons, write them early and keep detailed records. Make sure you keep pace with your students’ development.
• Take professional development courses: Since teaching techniques and curriculum change, it’s important to take professional development courses to keep up with educational trends. Courses and workshops are great ways to learn new things and keep track of new certifications.
• Build Positive Relationships with Students: Connect with students on a personal level, show interest in their well-being, and create a supportive classroom atmosphere. Positive relationships foster motivation and engagement.

Teacher Requirements

Becoming a teacher requires specific qualifications, experience, and certification. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Related Field: Most teachers get a degree in education, but degrees in subjects (e.g., English, math) are acceptable if followed by a postgraduate teaching qualification.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): In the UK, QTS is required for teaching in state schools. To gain QTS, one must complete one of the teacher training routes, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), School Direct, or Teach First.
• Initial Teacher Training (ITT): Initial teacher training programs combine school experience and academic study. Trainees study teaching methods, class and behavior management, and curriculum design.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: This is a background check conducted to ensure that teachers do not have a criminal record that could potentially affect the safety of students. All teachers in the UK are required to undergo this DBS check.
• Continued Professional Development (CPD): To improve and enrich their teaching abilities and knowledge, teachers are encouraged to participate in CPD activities. These include workshops, seminars, and courses, such as teaching methodology courses and subject-specific training.

How to Become a Teacher

Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a teacher:

• Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Relevant Subject: You can start with a degree in education or a subject, like English or science, that you’re interested in teaching to primary or secondary school students. Teachers for primary grades (grades one to six) most often study education or child development, while teachers for secondary grades (grades seven to 12) specialize in a subject.
• Secure Initial Teacher Training (ITT): Decide on the route to teaching that suits you and your end goal. This could be a PGCE, School Direct, Teach First, or Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS.
• Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): After completing ITT, apply for QTS, which is compulsory for teaching in state schools and confirms that you meet the national teaching standards.
• Gain Classroom Experience: Classroom experience, such as working as a teaching assistant, in addition to actual classroom practice in most ITT programs, will improve your confidence and skills.
• Apply for Teaching Positions: Apply for jobs in schools, whether primary, secondary, or further education. Highlight your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for teaching in your applications.
• Undergo Induction and Mentoring: On completion of their training, teachers in the UK are given an induction period in which they are supported and mentored by appropriate staff members. This enables them to transition into full-time teacher roles more easily.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Ensure you maintain your knowledge and skills by regularly attending workshops, seminars, and training courses to develop your teaching skills and keep up to date with educational developments and trends.

Get Qualified as a Teacher

Teaching Preparation for Primary Years, Fundamentals of Primary Classroom Teaching, Teaching Preparation for Primary Years, Teaching Preparation for Primary Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Teacher?

Teaching is a rewarding career that allows you to inspire and shape the next generation. Teachers play a critical role in students’ lives, providing knowledge, mentorship, and support. It’s a fulfilling career for those who enjoy working with young people and making a positive impact.

Is a Career as a Teacher Right for You?

If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with young people, and are passionate about helping others learn, teaching could be an ideal career. This role is well-suited to individuals who are patient, adaptable, and dedicated to education.

What Are Typical Teacher Salaries?

Newly qualified teachers earn between £28,000 and £34,000 per year. Experienced teachers earn £35,000 to £44,000, while senior teachers and lead practitioners can earn £45,000 to £65,000 or more.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career in Teaching?

A bachelor’s degree, QTS, and ITT are essential for teaching in UK state schools. Specialized training, such as SEN certification, is beneficial for those interested in special education.

Do I Need to Be Experienced to Get Started?

While prior teaching experience is beneficial, initial teacher training programs provide classroom experience. Real-world experience, such as working as a teaching assistant, is valuable but not mandatory for entry.

What Is the Career Outlook for Teachers?

The demand for teachers remains steady, particularly in STEM subjects, languages, and special education. With experience, teachers can progress to senior positions, specialize in areas like SEN, or move into administrative roles.

Teacher Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Teachers can advance from NQT to an experienced teacher, lead practitioner, or head of department. Many progress to senior leadership roles, such as deputy headteacher, headteacher, or roles within educational administration.

Teacher Exit Options and Opportunities

Experienced teachers often transition to roles in educational consulting, curriculum development, or policy. Some move into training, corporate education, or start their own tutoring businesses, bringing valuable teaching experience to new areas.