by Sue Marsh
Sue Marsh has been in teaching for 16 years. Her career has included being a Head of Year and Curriculum Leader of Design and Performance. She is now now the secondary Programme Lead for the School Direct course at the Trinity Teaching School Alliance in West Yorkshire. Here she explains the process of applying for teacher training and shares her tips on how to stand out from the crowd.
Your passion
Applying for teacher training can be a very daunting prospect — what do you put in a personal statement that has to appeal to three different providers? The answer is: a clear picture of why you want to be a teacher!
Make sure every word counts. As a training provider, I look for good spelling and grammar — you are becoming a teacher and communication is key. I also enjoy reading personal statements that show enthusiasm and motivation for the prospect of becoming a teacher. Personal stories, such as being inspired by a teacher or a lesson you have always remembered, give a real insight into an applicant.
Your experiences
What have your life experiences so far helped you with and how have they developed you? Do not dismiss the waiter job that developed your communication and social skills! What other personal skills do you have that a teacher needs? Think carefully and explain how they will benefit you in the classroom.
Teachers come into the profession at various stages in their life. I remember sitting in a careers session at 15 years old and announcing that I wanted to be a teacher, and started training straight after university. However, many people start later in their career. Some may have wanted a chance to mature, and others may have wanted the opportunity to explore their subject in the wider world. Whatever your situation, make sure you show how it will help you become a great teacher.
Your subject
What is it about your age group or subject that appeals to you? When I chose secondary technology, it was my passion for the subject that led the way. With this age group, I could explore many techniques, instil in my students a love of the subject and encourage them to consider it as a career. My degree supported this choice and gave me a strong knowledge base to revisit in my teaching.
To sum it up, your application should be a true reflection of you and why you want to be a teacher in the age range or subject you have chosen.
Your references
Now what? Your application must provide two referees, who will be sent the form after you have completed your part. They might not be in as much of a rush as you, so make sure they are expecting the form and give them a clear deadline to work to. It takes time to write a good reference, so don’t expect them to get it done in a day!
Once your referees have completed their part of the form and returned it, you can pay for your application. It is then automatically sent to your chosen providers.
Now for the nervous wait. Has your form been received, and when will interviews happen? Providers are notified when an application is received. The first thing they will check is whether you are eligible to apply. If you have overseas qualifications, you may need to supply a NARIC statement to show that they are equivalent to the UK requirements. To avoid delays, it is better to arrange this before you apply.
Your interview day
Providers will normally get in touch within a week of receiving your application, and an interview will be arranged as soon as they can schedule you in.
A variety of tasks can take place on an interview day, depending on where you apply. The day might include informal elements such as a student panel session, or a discussion activity with other applicants. There will also be more formal parts, perhaps including a subject test, a literacy test, a presentation, a teaching session to either fellow attendees or students, and an interview. This may sound like a lot, but don’t worry: the main aim of the provider it to put you at ease. Remember — they want to see the best of you!
Expect about 6–12 questions in your interview. This is the provider’s opportunity to hear about your passion for teaching, so make the most of it. Try to cover everything that you included in your personal statement. However, it is a time to be honest too — if there is something you need to develop, talk about it. Teaching is all about developing: I am 16 years into my career and still learning new things.
Preparation is key to a successful interview. Then on the day, relax and let your passion for teaching shine through. Good luck and enjoy the process!
For free, tailored advice on getting into teaching, register on the Get into Teaching website.
Top tips for a successful online interview can be found here.
