University of Cumbria: why teaching could be the career for you

From great job and career prospects to the power to inspire a whole generation, there are very few careers in the world that offer the personal pride, reward and satisfaction teaching can offer. Here are 11 of the best reasons why you should consider becoming a teacher.
Ad Feature by University of Cumbria
Published 2nd Aug 2019, 12:36 BST
Mo Dawood at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster campus.Mo Dawood at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster campus.
Mo Dawood at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster campus.

1 Make a difference

The effect of teaching is truthfully that inspiring – a good teacher is sometimes the difference between a child falling through the cracks and a newly discovered interest that could become their lifelong passion and career.

Sitting in your classroom will be the entrepreneurs, innovators and craftsmen and women of tomorrow. By inspiring and supporting the next generation, teachers have a profound impact on society.

By inspiring and supporting the next generation, teachers have a profound impact on society.By inspiring and supporting the next generation, teachers have a profound impact on society.
By inspiring and supporting the next generation, teachers have a profound impact on society.

2 Bring your passion to the table

Are you passionate about a subject such as English, Maths, science, sports or a language? Or do you want to change the direction of your career into something that aligns with your wish to make a difference?

The good news is that you might not have to retrain for long. If you already have a degree in a subject area or want to teach primary school children, you might be able to do a PGCE training course and gain your teaching qualification in one year. Speak to the experts to find out more.

3 Training is funded for certain courses

University of Cumbria student Jasminara Begum teaching at Marion Richardson School, Stepney, London. Jasminara is a BA (Hons) student in Primary Education with QTS.University of Cumbria student Jasminara Begum teaching at Marion Richardson School, Stepney, London. Jasminara is a BA (Hons) student in Primary Education with QTS.
University of Cumbria student Jasminara Begum teaching at Marion Richardson School, Stepney, London. Jasminara is a BA (Hons) student in Primary Education with QTS.

The British government offers several bursaries, scholarships and loans  for people considering teaching as a career. There is also extra support if you are a parent, have a dependent or a disability. All scholarships, bursaries, grants and loans depend on what course you decide to study and some might be means-tested.

At the University of Cumbria, they offer an array of bursary and scholarships for PGCE and teacher training. Talk to a member of our Student Finance team to explore your options.

4 You’ll be in demand

Due to an ever-growing population, the need for teachers has never been greater. As a matter of fact, English schools are currently facing a severe shortage of teachers and recruiting trainees for the profession has now become a top priority for the government.

Jacky Alty, PGCE science teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.Jacky Alty, PGCE science teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.
Jacky Alty, PGCE science teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.

Nine out of 10 University of Cumbria graduates are in employment within six months of graduating.

5 Teachers can work all over the world

A qualification in teaching not only offers highly transferable skills, but it also offers great mobility. If you want a career that will allow you to travel and experience new horizons while still contributing to society, teaching could indeed be for you.

6 You’ll get to learn as well as teach

Stuart Garry, schools direct PGCE PE teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.Stuart Garry, schools direct PGCE PE teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.
Stuart Garry, schools direct PGCE PE teacher on work placement at Bishop Rawstorne Academy, Leyland.

During your career as a teacher you will not only be exposed to child and educational psychology as well as best practices in education, but you might also have to master new subjects. Add a dose of keeping up to date with the latest innovations in technology and teaching, and you have a recipe for always learning new things and new skills.

7 Career progression prospects

Within education there are many opportunities for career progression, such as head of department or headteacher. You can also work for publications and researchers specialised in teaching methods and materials, become a private tutor or, as mentioned above, travel the world teaching.

8 It keeps your thinking skills sharp

As cliché as it might sound, being “down with the kids” does keep you young. Children see the world differently and the youth of today is incredibly trend conscious, visual and technically savvy. As teaching promotes lifelong learning and challenges your creativity, it’s a great career for those who want to keep their thinking skills sharp.

9 Competitive salaries

According to the national campaign Get into Teaching, the starting salary for a qualified teacher is around £23,000 escalating to over £48,000 for more experienced teachers. Leading practitioners can earn in between £40,000 and £68,000, and headteachers can earn above £118,000 depending on where they are based in the country.

10 No two days are the same

Every pupil or student is different and learns at a different pace. The curiosity and wide-eyed approach of young minds also comes up with the weirdest and most wonderful things.  And if you are the type of person who gets bored easily and likes new challenges, being a teacher will certainly keep you on your toes!

11 Being part of the most important moments in life

Teachers are usually present during the most important moments of a child or young adult’s life – friendships, heartbreaks and exams – and they are now in the forefront of spotting, reporting and supporting safety, mental health, and learning disability issues.

Most of us will remember a teacher that really helped us or guided us along the way. While teaching involves a lot of hard work it’s an important position to hold and one that you should be proud of.

Why I love teaching – Imran Khan

Imran Khan graduated in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education (3-11) with QTS. Today he is one of Norfolk’s youngest headteachers at the tender age of 27 and is being recognized and honoured for his achievements during our graduation ceremonies taking place in Carlisle this week.

“I love making a positive difference to lives of all the children I teach and being able to make decisions that lead to positive outcomes for the children’s wellbeing and learning.  

“The degree completely changed my life, teaching is a career that changes your life as it is such an important one where you are shaping the life of the children you teach and making decisions for the future of a school.  

“Studying at the University of Cumbria shaped my life and my career and I enjoyed every moment of it. Plus I met my wife on the course!

“Prospective students should know the University of Cumbria supports its students whilst they are studying and far beyond graduation – the tutors really care about you. My advice to current and prospective students considering a similar career should know that education is demanding and you have to put in a lot of hard work but it is a really rewarding career.”

Want to find out more? At The University of Cumbria, they can help you get there. Why not check their PGCE courses, visit one of the Open Days or talk to a member of the team about your options?

 

 

Related topics:University of CumbriaTeachers