JOB PROFILE
What Is a Teacher?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What is a Teacher?
- What are the responsibilities of a Teacher?
- What qualifications does a Teacher need?
- What is the average salary of a Teacher?
- Who employs a Teacher?
- What skills does a Teacher need?
- Where the latest Teacher jobs are and how to apply for them
What Is a Teacher?
A Teacher is a professional who educates about a certain subject or subjects. Duties will vary depending on the educational setting, age and capability of the students. The primary goal is to inspire, motivate and encourage students.
A Teacher of primary education will be expected to deliver lessons on a variety of different subjects such as English, maths and science. In secondary education, there will be a specific teacher for each subject.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Teacher?
A teacher’s job involves a diverse range of responsibilities that are aimed at nurturing students' growth and providing a positive learning experience. Teachers create and deliver lesson plans, ensuring each student receives a comprehensive education. Alongside this, they allocate homework to reinforce concepts and track students' progress, carefully documenting their achievements to provide constructive feedback.
Collaboration with parents is essential, as teachers share students' progress when requested, fostering a strong partnership between home and school. Encouraging active participation in lessons, teachers should strive to engage every student in the learning process, tailoring their approach to individual needs.
Flexibility is a key aspect of the role, as they work with other organisations to address specific students' needs and implement a support network that enhances a students learning journey. A teacher’s job comes with a dedication to continuous growth as they attend meetings and training courses, improving their skills to provide the best possible education for their students.
While working as a teacher, you will participate in school events, supporting the senior leadership team to maintain a cohesive educational environment. Attendance tracking ensures students' presence and contributes to a structured and organised classroom experience. Additionally, teachers will diligently mark and grade students' work, providing valuable insights into their progress.
A teacher's attention to detail extends to organising supplies for lessons and presentations, ensuring an enriching and well prepared educational setting. Creating a positive learning environment is a constant focus, fostering a sense of belonging and enthusiasm that empowers students to thrive and reach their full potential. A teacher's passion and dedication plays a pivotal role in shaping students' futures and instilling a lifelong love for learning.
While working as a Teacher, you will be required to:
- Create and deliver lesson plans.
- Allocate homework.
- Monitor and document students' progress.
- Provide constructive feedback.
- Share students' progress with parents when requested.
- Encourage participation in lessons.
- Work with other organisations when requested depending on individuals needs.
- Attend meetings and training courses when requested.
- Attend and participate in school events.
- Answer student questions.
- Support the senior leadership team within the school.
- Record classroom attendance.
- Mark and grade work completed by students.
- Organise supplies needed for lessons and presentations.
- Create a positive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Does a Teacher Need?
To teach in the majority of schools in England you will need a teaching degree and obtain qualified teacher status (QTS), this is for all schools funded by Local Authorities and also applies to non-maintained special schools.
Schools that do not require QTS include private, independent, academy and free schools but many of these schools still do ask for this to ensure the quality of their candidates.
You can get QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate teacher training.
If you have a degree or equivalent qualification but it's not in education, you can do postgraduate teacher training called a PGCE.
What Is the Average Salary of a Teacher?
England and Wales
- The minimum starting salary for a newly qualified teacher (NQT) is £25,714 per year
- Teachers with more experience can earn up to £41,604 per year
Scotland
- The minimum starting salary for an NQT is £32,994 per year
- Teachers with more experience can earn up to £41,412 per year
Northern Ireland
- The minimum starting salary for an NQT is £24,373 per year
- Teachers with more experience can earn up to £41,526 per year
However, it's important to note that salaries can vary depending on a number of factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the type of school (e.g. primary, secondary, academy).
Additionally, salaries may be higher for teachers who take on additional responsibilities such as head of department or senior leadership roles.
Who Employs a Teacher?
Teachers are employed by all types of schools, state, private and independent.
The employer will depend on the status of the school. For example, in a state or community special school the employer will be the Local Authority and in an independent or academy school it will be a board of trustees or owner.
In some cases teachers may find additional work in the form of private tuition for individuals.
What Skills Does a Teacher Need?
A successful teacher possesses a diverse skill-set that contributes to an enriching and effective learning experience for their students. Creative thinking sits at the heart of engaging lessons, to captivate students' imaginations and foster a love for learning.
Excellent communication skills ensure clear and effective delivery of information, enabling seamless interactions with pupils, parents, and colleagues. The ability to stay organised ensures that lessons and resources are well-prepared, contributing to a structured and efficient learning environment. Moreover, confident public speaking empowers teachers to deliver engaging presentations and capture students' attention.
Patience is an invaluable quality that allows teachers to navigate challenges and support students with varying learning paces. Their enthusiasm and ability to inspire their students about the subject spark curiosity and encourage active participation. A motivational approach instils a sense of drive and determination within students to excel in their studies. As active listeners, teachers understand their students' needs and concerns, tailoring their support to each individual.
A teacher’s job includes being approachable, which helps to create a supportive classroom atmosphere, promoting open communication and a safe space for students to seek guidance. Proficiency in computer literacy equips them with the tools to integrate technology into lessons effectively. The ability to collaborate and work well in a team promotes a cohesive educational environment.
A comprehensive understanding of the national curriculum ensures that teachers deliver content that aligns with educational standards. Adapting to different environments allows them to teach effectively across diverse settings. Finally, a caring and understanding nature is an essential attribute, as teachers prioritise their students' wellbeing and emotional growth, making a profound impact on their educational journey.
Key skills of a Teacher include:
- Creative thinking to engage students.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Organised.
- Presentational skills.
- Confident public speaking.
- Patience.
- Enthusiastic and ability to inspire about the subject.
- Motivational.
- Active listener.
- Approachable.
- Computer literate.
- Ability to work well in a team.
- Knowledge of the national curriculum.
- Adaptable, the ability to teach in a range of different environments.
- Caring and understanding nature.
Teacher Insights.
Teacher Jobs.
If you're searching for your next career opportunity, why not take a look at all the latest teaching vacancies available in your area now?
At Spencer Clarke Group, we work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We offer teaching placements and Teaching Assistant jobs at:
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Special Education Needs Schools
- Colleges
Why not get in contact with one of our specialists who can advise on current and upcoming opportunities?
Meet The Education & SEND Team.
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Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.