What does a teacher do?
Teachers are essential in our society, working in academic institutions to guide students, monitor performance, and foster personal growth and social development. Whether you’re just starting your job search or looking to switch from your current role, doing some background research into a potential career path is always a good idea.This article discusses what a teacher does, how much they earn, their typical salaries and how to find a job in this field.
What does a teacher do?
A teacher’s role goes beyond simply sharing information about a particular subject. Good teachers ignite curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and work to build skills necessary in their students so they can navigate personal and professional lives. Considering student abilities, curriculum requirements, and educational goals, teachers plan lessons, assign and correct homework, assess student understanding and provide feedback. A teacher also performs administrative duties such as attending staff meetings and communicating with parents. Below is a list of typical responsibilities for a teacher.
Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development
A teacher develops lesson plans that align with curriculum objectives, typically for a specific grade level. They integrate innovative teaching strategies to engage students, adapting lessons based on their learning needs.
Instruction and Assessment
Armed with effective communication skills, teachers execute these lesson plans, ensuring a conducive learning environment. They evaluate students’ comprehension through various forms of assessments, using the results to refine their teaching methods.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Teachers frequently communicate with parents to report on their child’s academic progress. They advise parents on supporting their child’s learning needs at home, fostering a supportive environment beyond the classroom.
Where does a teacher work?
Teachers find employment in a variety of educational settings across the United Kingdom. Examples include:
- Public and private primary and secondary schools
- Further Education colleges
- Community centres
- Online, as remote educators.
These varied options offer potential flexibility and growth for individuals considering a career in teaching.
Is it hard to become a teacher?
The journey towards becoming a teacher does demand commitment and effort, but it’s certainly achievable with the right mindset and dedication. To qualify, you must obtain a Bachelor’s degree followed by a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or complete a work-based route into teaching. You must also apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. After that, you will start your career as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and complete an induction year. This demanding yet rewarding profession requires educational preparation and a finely tuned skill set, with both soft skills and hard skills required.This article is based on information available when writing, which may change anytime. Indeed does not guarantee that this information is always up-to-date.
Skills for a teacher
Excellent teachers bring various skills to their work, encompassing effective communication, a passionate dedication to their subject matter, and a deep understanding of how people learn. This combination ensures that their teaching is effective and resonates with students. Below is a list of essential skills for a teacher:
Communication Skills
Teachers should have outstanding written and verbal communication skills to present lessons, ask questions, and interact with students, parents, and colleagues. Good listening skills are equally important to understanding student queries and concerns.
Empathy and Understanding
Teachers need to forge relationships with diverse students and understand their differing learning needs. This requires empathy, patience, and the ability to inspire trust and support.
Creativity and innovation
Making lessons intriguing and engaging through innovative teaching methods is an essential skill. This creativity renders the classroom more compelling and aids in linking theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Knowledge and passion
A deep understanding of the subject matter, constant learning, and genuine enthusiasm potentiate a teacher’s ability to inspire the same interest in their students.
Organisational skills
Effective time management and proper organisation of lessons, materials, and classrooms are important to ensure smooth running and maximise learning.Remember, possessing these skills can make you a strong candidate, but the passion for teaching and continuous improvement will make you a great teacher.
Average salary and job outlook for a teacher
In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a full-time teacher is £17,935, depending on their experience, location, subject specialisation, and the specific institution. However, leadership roles or responsibilities could attract higher pay. Similarly, teachers located in London generally earn more to account for the higher cost of living.
Jobs that are similar to a teacher
You should keep your options open to be efficient in your job search. Many roles today share skill sets, so taking the time to seek these out and compare salaries and job outlook is beneficial.Below is a list of jobs that are similar to a teacher.
1. Tutor
National average salary: £40,715 per year
Primary duties: A tutor provides one-on-one academic instruction to students outside the classroom. They help with homework, test preparation, and specific subjects a student might find challenging.Find tutor jobs
2. School counsellor
National average salary: £26,888 per year
Primary duties: School counsellors provide students with personal, social, and educational counselling. They guide students on academic goals and career options and help manage behavioural issues or personal problems.Find school counsellor jobs
3. Education consultant
National average salary: £26,980 per year
Primary duties: Education consultants assist school boards, educational institutions, and sometimes parents in creating the most efficient educational plan for their students or children.Find education consultant jobs
4. Library manager
National average salary: £29,291 per year
Primary duties: They design and execute educational programmes and services for library visitors. These programmes encourage learning and literacy, consequently making libraries more engaging.Find library manager jobsCareer progression in teaching extends to senior teachers, deputy heads, or head teachers for those willing to take on more responsibility and leadership. The key is to find a teaching career that matches your passion, skills, and long-term goals.Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.
