Age 16-18
There are very few careers to rival teaching in terms of job satisfaction. Just knowing that you have made a difference in shaping a young person’s life and influencing their future can be one of the most rewarding feelings.
There are many reasons why you should become a teacher. We have spoken to some of our longest serving professionals and put their top 10 reasons below.
1. Make a difference and inspire the next generation
Other than their own parents, teachers have arguably the biggest influence on a child’s life. You are their guide to the big wide world and can help to fully maximise their potential and imagination. You will experience tremendous job satisfaction as your student’s eyes light up when they grasp a new piece of knowledge you are teaching them. And the visible results you see as the student progresses in your lessons will fill you with a sense of pride.
2. A passion for your subject
The best teachers are truly passionate about the subjects they teach. They live and breathe their specialisms with unrivalled enthusiasm. There are not many careers where you can engross yourself in a field you are passionate about, yet teachers get to do this daily — and even instil this love for their subject in their students.
3. A vocation — not just a job
Teaching is more than just a job. It becomes a whole way of life and requires dedication, but its rewards, much like doctors and nurses, will make you feel valued and will give you a strong sense of contentment and purpose, unmatched by most professions.
Case study — Mij Rahman
Mij studied the PGCE (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education) with New City College while working as a Paramedic. Although he enjoyed his job he found that teaching and training new recruits was something he was passionate about and decided to make the switch into teaching.
“I always wanted to teach but I also knew I wanted to do something in the medical professions. Achieving the PGCE was tough because I was working and studying at the same time, but it was also good fun because of the other people and the tutors on the course. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Mij is now hoping to teach Mental Health Nursing or possibly A Level Psychology in a sixth form.
4. Long-term security
The world will always need teachers! In every country and every town there is a school, college or university that requires teachers. Compared to other professions, teaching offers fantastic job security. According to HR experts, becoming a teacher now is an incredibly sound move because there is such a range of opportunities. Coupled with a current national shortage of teachers yet no shortage of children to teach — it is a no-brainer!
5. Flexibility for families
Everyone knows that teachers are envied for the long summer holiday they can take each year. If you have a family, teaching will give you the opportunity to roughly share the same time off as your children — meaning some long spells of quality time together and fewer childcare costs. Teaching is quite unique in this respect.
6. Personal growth and development
The teacher inevitably develops the minds of their pupils, expanding their academic knowledge as well as nurturing them as a person. You will regularly celebrate their achievements and be their champion. But, in doing so, you will experience personal development too. Teaching is a profession that offers a clear career path, excellent CPD and progression opportunities with the chance to further your knowledge, study for extra qualifications and move into leadership.
Case study — Lannen Armstrong
Lannen became a teacher after university and has progressed to become Head of Sociology at a school in Barking at the age of just 26. She achieved her degree in Politics and Philosophy and then did her teaching qualification.
She says even from a young age she felt it was her vocation to become a teacher. Asked if her career has lived up to her expectations.
I love my job — it’s very busy and sometimes demanding but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
7. Never a boring day!
Variety is the spice of life and you will find every day as a teacher will be different. Due to the nature of the profession, you will come across different situations and new challenges on a daily basis. Yes, a teacher’s life can be frustrating and difficult at times, but overcoming the problems and finding solutions is all part of the process and will add to that all-important job satisfaction.
8. A rich and varied skill set
Teaching develops a myriad of skills — many of which will benefit you in different areas of your life. As mentioned above, it is a diverse role with no two days the same. Planning lessons and having to adapt them regularly to suit the ability of different learners will give you skills in being flexible and adaptable, as well as time management. Other key skills that are inevitably developed are communication, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, computer/IT skills, organisation and leadership — all of which are highly transferable in and out of the profession.
9. Salary benefits
A career in teaching provides fairly generous financial packages. According to Prospects, newly qualified teachers in London currently earn £29,344 to £40,083 (fringes), £32,407 to £43,193 (outer) and £34,502 to £44,756 (inner). Along with time off for school holidays, this works out as not a bad package for someone who is following their passion to teach.
10. International opportunities
Most countries highly value the UK’s teacher training and your qualifications can open doors to explore opportunities across the globe. From India to Canada, the Middle East to Australia, the world is your oyster!
At New City College we have an extensive range of Teacher Education Courses.
Whether you’re looking to get into teaching, progress from a teaching assistant to qualified teaching status, or looking to develop your career in leadership with our MA in Education — we have a pathway for everyone.
