Teacher career guide

What a Teacher does

• Plans and delivers lessons to help students learn a subject or develop skills.
• Explains ideas in different ways and adapts lessons to students’ needs.
• Checks learning through classwork, assignments, tests, and discussion.
• Gives feedback and keeps records of students’ progress.
• Sets expectations for behaviour and helps maintain a safe, supportive classroom.
• Communicates with families and works with other teachers and school staff.
• May take on extra duties, such as supervising activities or supporting school events.

The age group, subject, and responsibilities depend on the type of teaching role and the school system.

A typical day

• Review lesson plans and prepare classroom materials.
• Teach several classes, with time between lessons for setup or student questions.
• Help students who need extra support or a different approach.
• Mark work, record progress, and plan upcoming lessons.
• Meet with colleagues or families, or attend staff training.
• Supervise students during breaks, lunch, or other school activities.

The balance between teaching, preparation, and administration varies by role and school.

Skills you need

• Communication: Explain ideas clearly and listen carefully.
• Patience: Support students as they learn at different speeds.
• Organisation: Plan lessons, manage time, and keep track of student progress.
• Adaptability: Adjust teaching when a lesson or approach is not working.
• Classroom management: Set clear expectations and respond calmly to challenges.
• Subject knowledge: Understand the material you teach and keep it up to date.
• Empathy and fairness: Respect students’ different needs and backgrounds.
• Teamwork: Coordinate with colleagues, families, and support staff.

How to become one

Requirements depend on your location, the age group you want to teach, and the type of school.

Education

• Find out what qualifications are required where you plan to work.
• Common routes include a degree in education or a subject degree followed by teacher training.
• Some roles require supervised classroom practice as part of training.
• Early childhood, primary, secondary, and special education roles may have different requirements.

Certifications

• Many school systems require a teaching licence, registration, or other formal approval.
• You may need to pass background checks or complete child-safety training.
• Check the rules of the relevant education authority before choosing a course, as requirements can vary.

Entry routes

• University-based training: Complete a teaching degree or a subject degree with a teacher-training qualification.
• Post-degree training: Earn a degree first, then complete an approved teacher-preparation programme.
• Employment-based training: In some places, train while working in a school under supervision.
• Career change: If you already have a degree or work experience, look for transition routes that match your qualifications.

Before committing, consider observing a classroom, volunteering with students, or speaking with teachers about the day-to-day work.

Career path

• Beginning teacher: Build classroom experience, learn school procedures, and get feedback from experienced colleagues.
• Experienced teacher: Take on more responsibility for planning, mentoring, or supporting students with specific needs.
• Specialist or lead teacher: Focus on a subject, curriculum area, student group, or teaching practice.
• Leadership roles: With experience and any required further training, move into roles such as department lead, curriculum coordinator, or school leader.
• Related options: Some teachers move into tutoring, teacher training, education support, curriculum development, or education administration.

Is it right for you?

Teaching may suit you if you enjoy helping others learn, can explain ideas in different ways, and are comfortable balancing classroom work with planning and record-keeping.

Think carefully about whether you are prepared to manage a group, respond to changing needs, and handle busy periods. If possible, spend time in a school before choosing a training route. The work can be rewarding, but it also requires patience, preparation, and flexibility.

Current pay is in the salary guide.