Education & Teaching Jobs and Graduate Schemes

Working in Education & Teaching

Teachers play a vital role in the development of children, and a career in Education and Teaching can come in a variety of forms.

Graduates interested in pursuing the traditional classroom route of Teaching will require an excellent degree classification in a related field such as English, Science or Maths. Education is an increasingly competitive field, so a classification of 2:1 or higher may be required, though some postgraduate courses will accept a 2:2.

Some less traditional routes which still offer many of the same challenges and rewards as Education and Teaching include counselling, tutoring, student welfare and children's programming at community centres, museums or galleries.

How to Get a Job in Education

Candidates should display the following:

1. Relevant degree

A degree in English, History, Science or Maths is perfect for teaching at primary and secondary levels, while other specialised degrees may be relevant to specific teaching posts. Whatever the subject, applicants should demonstrate a thorough grasp of the material.

2. Experience working with children

In any educational sphere, experience working with children is a must. This could comprise volunteer work with a local children's initiative, part-time work at a nursery centre or a summer spent as an au pair. It is important for candidates to be able to show employers that they are able to manage and communicate with children effectively, and understand their specific requirements.

3. Experience teaching, tutoring or running educational groups

Tutoring and similar experience gives graduates the opportunity to explore one-on-one teaching, and puts them in good stead to demonstrate the necessary skills to succeed in a career in education. Many PGCE programs will include placements designed to give graduates this kind of experience.

4. Excellent communication skills

Teachers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups and be effective at communicating with younger students. Children in particular are learning to develop their own means of communication, and it is important that graduates going into education are able to converse with students in a productive and clear manner.

Graduates in education are also expected to possess excellent written communication skills in order to mark work, assemble lesson plans and provide progress reports to parents.

5. Time management skills

One of the essential skills for all employment, the ability to manage schedules and plan ahead is vital for teachers. Traditional classroom teachers will be looking months down the line to develop and execute lesson plans.

Candidates can demonstrate their time management skills by outlining their own experiences developing study schedules and sticking to them.

Related Fields

Graduates interested in Education and Teaching are not restricted to the traditional classroom route. There are many fields related to education which offer similar careers.

Education positions related to teaching include:

Nursery or after school education centres

Centres like Explore Learning give graduates the opportunity to not only work closely with children in an educational capacity, but to manage a business as well, which may appeal to candidates who want to do more than just stand in front of a class.

Graduates interested in going into this type of work need to possess both education and business skills. Experience working with children is valuable, as is any business-related experience. Career progression in this field can be very profitable and allow successful candidates a chance to be involved in meeting educational needs outside of the national curriculum.

Counselling

Graduates interested in pursuing a career in counselling must have a solid grasp of the relevant theories and practices, such as from a Psychology degree. They must also demonstrate skills such as communication, setting out structured plans and educational techniques to enhance the work they do with attendees.

Student welfare

Student welfare may include working with students at higher education levels and dealing with financial or legal issues. The skills developed working in student welfare can be applicable if candidates choose to return to education at a later stage.

For these roles, interpersonal skills are essential. Communication is vital, as is knowledge of procedure and relevant laws and policies such as study visas or benefits.

Local authorities

Local authorities often have positions dealing with child engagement and participation, and coordinating initiatives between councils and schools. These jobs offer graduates the chance to work closely with education systems and organisations without being limited to the classroom. Positions might entail visiting schools and leading groups or teaching children about new council or government programmes.

Children's programming

Many organisations and centres offer extensive children's programming, including museums and galleries, leisure centres, libraries, zoos and aquariums. The coordination of these programmes requires specialist knowledge of the topics and subject matter, and many positions include the chance to engage directly with children leading tours and answering questions. Graduates with specialised degrees and a passion for education may want to consider a position in children's programming, as it can offer the opportunity for them to share their excitement for their specific field.