As a teacher you can use your knowledge, experiences and passion for your subject to help people unlock skills, capabilities and talents they didn’t even know they had.
Working in education and training means you can improve opportunities for all and make a difference to people’s life chances. This course is designed for those who work, or want to work, as teachers or trainers in the further education and skills sector.
On application, you may be eligible for a bursary, grant or an Advanced Learner Loan.
We offer flexible learning with opportunities to either fast track or spread your studies over a longer time. You'll benefit from 1 to 1 coaching and tutorials, and have access to a dedicated online learning space.
We show you how to use a wide range of teaching, learning and assessment methods, rather than just telling you about them. You won't be a passive participant sitting in lectures; we use active learning and collaborative strategies when training teachers.
There are 4 mandatory units related to the theory and practice of teaching, learning and assessment, which everyone must complete.
Optional units include:
- Teaching in a Specialist Area
- Teaching Literacy and Numeracy
- Managing Behaviour
- Developing and Organising Resources
- SEND
- Action Research
You will need to teach a minimum of 100 hours during the course, and access to a mentor in your subject specialism.
There are no exams on this course; you complete an assignment for each unit.
You will complete a Professional Development Journal, which is a reflective account of your progress as a teacher. It helps you to map your own skills against the Professional Standards for Teachers.
Peer observation of colleagues will help you to analyse different styles and try out new techniques. You will have 8 lesson observations, lasting 30-60 minutes each, by your mentor, course tutors, or managers in the organisation where you do your teaching hours. You will receive verbal and written feedback to help you develop and improve.
You'll need a level 3 qualification in the area in which you wish to teach.
It is preferred that you'll have GCSE English and Maths to get on this course, and you will need these to apply for qualified teacher of learning and skills status (QTLS) at the end of the course. We run free English and Maths courses should you need to complete these qualifications as well.
A current DBS certificate is required to show you are suitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults in education.
You'll be taught by very experienced and highly qualified course tutors with Masters degrees and/or Doctorate in Education.
On completion of this course, you can progress to a MA, MPhil or MEd.
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) offer a practitioner research programme in association with Sunderland University, which is funded by the ETF. Teachers interested in moving into leadership might also consider an MBA or other management qualification.
