Teaching in the UK
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I'm an American thinking about becoming a physics and math teacher in the UK. I'm graduating with a Masters in science teaching this semester but won't have teaching certification in my state.
While there is a shortage of physics/science teachers, I have always been under the impression that, at least in my state, I could find teaching work somewhere and be conditionally certified. Is that similar in the UK? In other words, will my lack of certification in my state significantly hamper my efforts to find a job in the UK? |
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First off, I assume you mean that you've never taught secondary, but want to begin, and begin in the UK? Might be a tough start . . . LOTS of first-year teachers don't make it here. I look back at my first year teaching in the U.S., and now at my first year teaching here (finally have firm footing under me), and I KNOW I would never have made it if this were my first year teaching.
Yes, there is what's called alternative certification in the U.S. -- almost all states have it. Your MA program is a teaching program, but doesn't include licensure?
The requirements for teaching here are as follows (copy/pasted from a thread back on page 5 of General Discussions):
"To be able to teach in the UK you MUST have:
Minimum of 3 years undergraduate + 1 year education equivalent
OR
4 year Degree in Education & or Master in Education
OR
Current American Teaching Licensure
OR
Are a qualified teacher and have recent teaching experience
Qualifications must be from a recognised institution.
Original certificates MUST be certified (as described below).
In certain circumstances, qualifications will be assessed to ensure that they meet UK requirements."
Hope that answers your question?? GOod luck with your decision, and with landing a job. Do LOTS of reading on this site -- there are even some blogs (mine included) which will talk about various aspects of the situation. THere are posts on that, back a page or two . . . (entitled "BLOGS"). |
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Hi there,
The previous response is accurate in its details. That is exactly what we are told are the conditions for obtaining the employment VISA. However, Physics teachers a VERY rare here. Science teachers are desperately NEEDED here.
I'm an American trained science teacher currently in a school in Luton. There's a lady teaching in my department from South Africa who obviously has no background in either teaching or science. She can't even read a thermometer! Her English is almost unintelligable and her classes are ALWAYS out of control, but they won't let her go because "she's better than nothing."
She doesn't have certification, so there must be a loop-hole. She came to our school as a long term cover teacher (substitute work)...maybe that's the loop hole (?). Are you under 30? If so you can come on a "working holiday" VISA and do cover while you work on achieving QTS here. Just a possibility.
It would be better for you though if you had your certification 'cause then you could be hired straight out and could have the help from agencies such as Bluewave. Also, you would have to duplicate coursework while gaining QTS. My first certification cost something like $80. Of course it would be different in different States and probably more expensive now. But perhaps worth it for the flexibility you would gain.
I hope that helps.
(P.S. Do come prepared. The behaviour issues are not being exaggerated. 3 Canadians started the year here with me. The last of them has given notice that he is leaving in April. I'm staying though cause there are emotional rewards to be gained from a job well done. The kids really appreciate a teacher who PROVES that they care.) |
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Thank you for your responses. It makes me remember that I'll have to be sure not to get caught up in the romance of living abroad and think more dispassionately about my plans. :)
English Teacher,
My master's program has two "paths" - one path to obtain certification and another focused more on education research. I opted for the education research path because I was planning on pursuing a PhD after getting my Masters. Now, I'm somewhat fatigued from taking classes and want to work for a couple of years before going back.
For my thesis research I taught in a couple of area schools. However, I didn't teach long and the schools were very good ones, so the experience probably wasn't typical.
Mell,
Thanks for your response. I've been doing some research on the web and behavior issues have concerned me. I am aware that it may be naive of me to look for a position in the UK given my limited teaching experience. :)
I am under 30, so perhaps working as a substitute while I get QTS is something worth looking in to. |
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