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Secondary School Teacher
Secondary teaching

How to become a Secondary School Teacher

What does a Secondary School Teacher do?

You hate Mondays because you hate your job. You should be a Secondary School Teacher...

As a Secondary School Teacher you will be teaching children aged anywhere between 11 and 18, preparing the next generation for their future education and careers. Most secondary school teachers specialise in one or two subjects, and teach pupils of mixed backgrounds and abilities.

Typical duties of a Secondary School Teacher include:

  • Preparing lessons and teaching materials
  • Assessing work handed in
  • Engaging with other education professionals
  • Attending meetings and training
  • Discussing pupil progress with parents and carers
  • Preparing pupils for exams, such as GCSE's and A-levels

Is a career as a Secondary School Teacher right for me?

To be successful as a Secondary School Teacher, being passionate about the subject or subjects you teach is absolutely essential. The attention span of your pupils may vary (two words: double science), so bringing your enthusiasm through and instilling a similar passion in your pupils can make all the difference.

Demonstrating the ability to manage difficult behaviour will be also be a major advantage.

Other key skills include:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Good organisational and motivational skills
  • Creativity
  • Patience
  • A good sense of humour

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Secondary School Teacher

1

Teaching Assistant

| Up to £20,000
2

Secondary School Teacher

| Up to £35,000
3

Lecturer

| Up to £45,000

Get qualified as a Secondary School Teacher

To become a Secondary School Teacher, you will need to start Initial Teacher Training (ITT), either through university-led training (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate award), or through school-led work-based training (i.e. working in a school whilst studying for your PGCE). After ITT, you may gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Recommended Secondary teaching courses

  • PGCE Fundamentals in Early Years and Secondary Education

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    24 Hour Flash Deal **8-in-1 PGCE Fundamentals in Early Years and Secondary Education Mega Bundle** Take the initial steps toward a successful long-term career by studying the PGCE Fundamentals in Early Years and Secondary Education package online with Studyhub through our onli …
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  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma - CPD Accredited

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    Level 3 QLS Endorsed Diploma & CPD Accredited | 120 CPD Points | Free PDF Certificate | Lifetime Access
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What's it like to be a Secondary School Teacher?

"There’s really very little not to like about being a Secondary School Teacher. You get to talk about the subjects you love and pass on that passion to kids. Of course some may not be as eager to learn as others, and working to a strict curriculum can be tricky, but thinking through these challenges is part of the fun. Add to that the satisfaction you get from seeing pupils fulfil, or even exceed their potential, and there really aren't any more rewarding careers."

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