Coach Assistant Becomes Instructor
In the United Kingdom, becoming a teacher often requires a degree, particularly for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) used in state-maintained schools. However, for individuals like Judith, who left the military without an undergraduate degree, there are alternative routes to teacher training.
Judith, a former service member, embarked on her teaching journey in 2013 when she became a learner with NCC Home Learning. After seven years of working as a teaching assistant, she decided to further her education by pursuing the Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Award Level 3 RQF. Within eight months, Judith successfully completed the course.
Following her Level 3 certificate, Judith went on to complete the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) course, also through NCC Home Learning. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she became an HLTA for six years.
Judith's journey did not end there. Recognising the value of further education, she enrolled in a PGCE course as an apprenticeship. The challenging course, which included personal and academic demands, culminated in her becoming a qualified teacher at the same school where she had been a teaching assistant.
There are various alternative routes to teacher training in the UK for those without a degree. One such route is teaching in Further Education (FE) colleges, sixth forms, adult education, prisons, and other post-16 settings. Reigate College, for instance, offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) aimed at this sector, which does not lead to QTS but prepares individuals for FE teaching roles.
Another option is teaching in independent or private schools, although this is less common and may be more limited in scope.
Apprenticeships and school-based training offer on-the-job training while working towards QTS. However, these generally still require a degree for QTS eligibility.
The TQUK Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Level 4 Award is another option for individuals to independently tailor their pace to accommodate work commitments, serving as evidence of the knowledge required for an HLTA role.
It's essential to note that while most routes to teaching in England require a degree to obtain QTS, you can still become a teacher in FE or post-16 education without one, and potentially progress into school teaching roles via Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
Judith's success story serves as an inspiration for those considering alternative routes to teaching without a degree. Her journey, from a teaching assistant to a qualified teacher, demonstrates the potential for growth and development in the education sector.
In conclusion, while the traditional route to becoming a teacher in England requires a degree, there are alternative routes available for those without a degree. These routes, such as FE teaching, independent/private schools, apprenticeships, and the TQUK HLTA Level 4 Award, offer opportunities for individuals to pursue a career in teaching and make a positive impact on students' lives.
- Judith, having completed the Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Award Level 3 RQF and the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) course, embarked on a PGCE course as an apprenticeship, furthering her education and career in the education sector.
- Recognizing the value of further education, Judith pursued online courses like the TQUK HLTA Level 4 Award, which offers a flexible learning approach and serves as evidence of the knowledge required for an HLTA role.
- For individuals without a degree, alternative routes to teacher training in the UK include teaching in FE colleges, sixth forms, adult education, prisons, and other post-16 settings, such as Reigate College's Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) aimed at this sector.
- Judith's journey from a teaching assistant to a qualified teacher highlights the potential for career development in the education sector, especially through professional development, coding, and online courses, with opportunities available for independent/private schools, apprenticeships, and school-based training programs that lead to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) for post-16 education positions.
