Going into teaching
Training to become a teacher
There are a number of different options for students wishing to
train to become primary or secondary school teachers. The most well
known option is the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) -
normally studied full time over one academic year (though York St
John does offer a part-time option for those wanting to train as
primary teachers). Other possible routes are the
SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) or the School
Direct scheme - both one year programmes, and Teach First (a
two year scheme). You can find out more information on these
schemes by using the link on the left hand
side of this page. We strongly recommend that you also read the
information on applying for a teacher training course, in order
that you are aware of the timescales and deadlines involved - many
students are caught out by not being prepared for this.
Applying for a teacher training course
The application process for routes into teaching training
typically starts in the autumn a year before you would start your
training (so the 1st semester of the final year of your degree, if
you are on a full time course). However, before you can apply for a
place on any of the training routes, it is vital that you gain the
relevant experience in schools beforehand. As such, we strongly
advise any students considering going into teaching to start
thinking and reading about their options at the beginning of the
second semester of their second year (for full-time students). More
information is available via the link on
the left hand side of this page.
*It is important to note that there are ongoing changes
to the routes into teacher training, and more particularly the
application processes involved. It is also worth making sure that
if you are looking at any information online, on websites such as
the Teaching Agency website, you are sure that you are looking at
the information that is correct for you year of study. It is
anticipated that the application process for those starting their
teacher training in 2014 will be different to the process for those
who will be starting in 2013. There is more information
available via the link on the left hand
side of this page about applying for a teacher
training course to start in 2014.
Alternatives to Teaching
If you are keen to working an educational environment but
are interested in options other than teaching, you might fine the
document Education Alternatives a
useful resource to look at.