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Preparing for Teacher Training
There are several things that you can do to best prepare yourself for training to become a teacher.
Decide what age phase you would like to teach
It may seem obvious, but it is important that you decide which age group you want to teach before you apply. If you are undecided between age groups (see below) then doing some voluntary work or going on a taster course will help you. Areas could include:
- Contacting a local school/college to ask if you can shadow or observe a teacher
- Taster Courses
- Voluntary work with young people
- Learning mentors, voluntary groups. scouts/Sunday school/sports coaching
- Youth work in vacations
- Private tuition
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Early Years Education
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Primary Education
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Secondary Education
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Post Compulsory Education
Visit the University and get some one-to-one advice
Come and speak to the teaching staff on the courses you have considered, find out about funding and much more. You can do this at either a University Open Day or Postgraduate Open Evening. In addition you can often find us at UCAS Exhibition Fairs, national Train to Teach events and many more.
Get your references together
In most cases we ask for two references in a teacher training application. Ensure that at least one of your references is someone in the education field, for example a head teacher or head of department in a school/college. The second reference should be from an employer. Find out more about references and referees.
Make your application stand out from the crowd
Our teacher training courses are generally very popular and competition for places is high. Therefore you need to make your application stand out from the crowd.
Look carefully at any entry criteria given for the course you wish to apply for.
Your application form is your opportunity to prove to us that you are ideal teacher material. Attributes that could help you stand out are:
- Reflection on any previous experience undertaken
- Enthusiasm and passion for your subject as well as sound subject knowledge
- Experience of and commitment to working with young people
- Professional attributes including leadership roles and responsibilities
- Some personal rationale for wanting to teach
- Good standard of written English
Post-application Interviews
Once you have applied if you are successful at shortlisting you will then be required to attend an interview for the majority of our teaching training courses. Find out more with our guidance for interviews here.